Finding Confidence and Hope for Future Dating (Even If You're Not Ready Yet)
If the idea of dating again feels overwhelming—or even impossible—you’re not alone. Whether you’re recovering from heartbreak, navigating a dry spell, or just not sure how to start, it makes sense if you're feeling unsure.
But here’s something important: building confidence and hope for the possibility of dating doesn’t mean swiping today or setting up a coffee date this week. Sometimes, a first step is simply working on the skills that make you feel stronger in relationships—starting with the one you have with yourself.
Here are some books and podcasts I recommend if you’re curious about growing your relationship confidence, shifting patterns, and gently opening the door to love again.
Books to Build Confidence Around Dating:
📘 F the Fairytale by Stephanie Hanrahan
This honest, empowering book challenges the fairytales we’ve been taught about love. Stephanie shares how breaking free from old ideals helped her build a relationship rooted in truth—not fantasy. A powerful read if you’re done with illusions and ready to reconnect with yourself.
📘 Ask a Matchmaker by Maria Avgitidis
Straight-shooting and full of heart, Maria blends matchmaking expertise with practical relationship advice. Her book helps you date with clarity and confidence, understand your own patterns, and stop settling for less than what you deserve.
📘 Don’t Text Your Ex Happy Birthday by Nick Viall
Written with humor, vulnerability, and a sharp understanding of modern love, Nick explores why we struggle to let go of the past and how to step into dating with greater self-awareness. It's like getting relationship advice from a candid, emotionally intelligent friend who’s been through it—and learned from it.
Podcasts That Feel Like a Support System:
🎙️ Ask a Matchmaker – Hosted by Maria Avgitidis
In this podcast, real people call in with dating dilemmas, and Maria gives grounded, sometimes tough-love advice. She covers everything from texting anxiety to attachment patterns, and her insights are gold if you’re trying to make sense of modern dating.
🎙️ The Viall Files – “Ask Nick” Segment
Hosted by Bachelor alum Nick Viall, this segment features callers who open up about relationship confusion—from situationships to emotional ghosts. Nick offers thoughtful, direct advice with the kind of insight that helps you stop spiraling and start getting real with yourself.
🎙️ Sex with Emily – Hosted by Dr. Emily Morse
This podcast offers an open, non-judgmental space to learn more about your sexual self. Topics range from communication in the bedroom to self-pleasure, kinks, and building confidence in intimacy. Whether you're single or partnered, it's a great way to get curious and feel empowered about your sexuality.
Working on your relationship skills, confidence, and communication style doesn’t mean you’re gearing up for a date tomorrow. It just means you’re investing in you. And sometimes, that’s the most powerful first step toward the kind of love you're truly worthy of.
Whenever you're ready—you’ll be stepping into dating with more self-trust, clarity, and hope.
Ready to take the first step?
Start by picking one book or podcast that speaks to you. You don’t have to dive into dating—you just have to start reconnecting with yourself. And if you want support along the way, I’m here. Learn more about therapy or join my next group here
