10 Dating Behaviors That Are Messing With Your Head (And What to Call Them) | Ep. 170

In this episode, I'm handing you the dating dictionary I wish I'd had years ago. If you've ever felt confused, blindsided, or just plain crazy after a date or relationship fell apart — you weren't imagining it. The behavior has a name. And once you can name it, you stop second-guessing yourself and start making better decisions.

I walk through 10 modern dating terms — ghosting, zombieing, future faking, ghost lighting, micro-cheating, benching, banksying, breadcrumbing, love bombing, and situationships — what they look like, why they happen, and how to respond. I also share my 3-6-9 rule for checking in on compatibility at the right moments without over-investing too soon. The goal isn't to memorize a list. It's to trust yourself faster.

In This Episode:

00:00 - Introduction & Why Naming Behaviors Matters

00:48 - Ghosting: They Disappear With No Explanation

01:35 - Zombieing: Coming Back Like Nothing Happened

02:10 - Future Faking: Big Promises, Zero Follow-Through

02:52 - Ghost Lighting: Ghosting + Gaslighting in One Toxic Move

03:42 - Meet Lem From Nancy

04:12 - Micro-Cheating: Is It Really Cheating?

04:48 - Benching: You're On the Roster But Never In the Game

05:14 - Banksying: The Slow Fade That Goes Nowhere

05:40 - Breadcrumbing: Just Enough to Keep You Hooked

06:15 - Love Bombing: Intensity Followed by Disappearance

06:50 - Situationships: Emotionally Involved With No Clarity

07:25 - The 3-6-9 Rule for Checking Compatibility

08:05 - Final Thoughts & How to Trust Yourself Faster

Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: karen@taboototruth.com

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: karen@taboototruth.com

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Substack: https://karenbigman.substack.com

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