How to Know When Someone Is Actually Available

EPISODE SUMMARY Dr. Emily sits down with relationship expert Matthew Hussey to decode modern dating, from confusing chemistry with compatibility to knowing when someone's actually emotionally available. Matthew breaks down why we keep choosing the wrong people, how to set boundaries without sabotaging connection, and the texting behaviors that reveal true interest levels. In this episode, you'll learn: • The difference between chemistry and compatibility—and why excitement often masks anxiety • How to identify emotional availability in the first few dates • Why having standards matters more than having a "type" • The art of expressing needs without coming across as needy • Red flags in texting culture and what silence really means • How to break patterns of settling and choose better partners • Why vulnerability creates attraction (and how to practice it) • When to walk away from situationships that aren't serving you • How self-worth directly impacts who you attract and keep • Strategies for building sexual tension while deepening emotional intimacy More Dr. Emily: • Shop With Emily! Explore Emily’s favorite toys, pleasure accessories, bedroom essentials, and more — designed to support your pleasure and confidence. Free shipping on orders $99+ (some exclusions apply). • Join the SmartSX Membership: Access exclusive sex coaching, live expert sessions, community building, and tools to enhance your pleasure and relationships with Dr. Emily Morse. • Sex With Emily Guides: Explore pleasure, deepen connections, and enhance intimacy using these Sex With Emily downloadable guides. • The only sex book you’ll ever need: Smart Sex: How to Boost Your Sex IQ and Own Your Pleasure • Want more? Visit the Sex With Emily Website • Let’s get social: Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok | Threads | YouTube • Let’s text: Sign up here • Want me to slide into your email inbox? Sign Up Here for sex tips on the regular. This episode is sponsored by… Qualia: Magnesium, multiplied. 10 forms for total support. Go to qualialife.com/SEXWITHEMILY to get 50% off and save an extra 15% with the code SEXWITHEMILY. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: The Dolphin Metaphor - Understanding Our Conditioning 1:36 - Meet Matthew Hussey: Dating Expert & Confidence Coach 6:48 - Matthew's Journey with Chronic Pain & The Concept of "Happy Enough" 13:18 - Matthew's Evolution & The Pain of Helping Others 18:26 - Lighting the Fuse: Detonating Your Own Life Before It Implodes 25:17 - Anxiety in Relationships & The Wall We Keep Crashing Into 32:45 - The Dolphin Tank: How Our Past Shapes Our Reality 37:41 - Core Confidence: You Don't Need to Be Special to Love Yourself 42:15 - Giving Yourself Closure & Modeling Healthy Standards 48:26 - Five Quickie Questions & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices