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Ever feel like you're dating a toddler instead of an adult? That's why we created Dating Daycare—to help you navigate through the jungle of jerks who simply refuse to grow up.
This week, I'm diving solo into a fishbowl question that will have you nodding in recognition or thanking your lucky stars. A listener shares her five-year nightmare with a partner who maintains suspiciously close ties with his ex, sneaks away on trips with a married woman in Florida, and hides her existence on social media—all while she wonders if she should be warning these other women about him.
Let me be clear: boundaries aren't suggestions—they're requirements. Unless children are involved, there's rarely a legitimate reason to stay in touch with an ex. And those red flags you spotted six months in? They only get worse, never better. Living in constant fight-or-flight mode, wondering where he is, who he's with, and when he'll call isn't romance—it's emotional torture.
The hard truth many resist? You cannot make someone meet your needs if they're unwilling or incapable. No amount of trying harder, looking better, or giving more will transform a dismissive avoidant into an attentive partner. As I explain, "The lion is the lion"—people show you who they are, and it's up to you to either accept it or walk away.
Basic relationship necessities like consistent communication, quality time, respect, and feeling prioritized aren't "too much" to ask for. They're the foundation of healthy connections. This summer, make "boundaries" your mantra and remember: your needs are valid, and the right partner will meet them naturally, not grudgingly.
Ready to stop settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole bakery? Follow us on social media, send us your questions, and join us next time as we continue helping adults navigate the childish behavior that plagues modern dating.

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