There are all manner of misconceptions and potentially harmful myths surrounding what women want, what men want, and about how best to navigate romantic relationships, from flirting to dating to long-term relationships. On this episode, I speak with special guest Harris O’Malley, aka Doctor NerdLove, to dive into these issues and set the record straight on the complications and nuances of love, sex, and dating in the 21st century. 

We talk about toxic masculinity and how to break away from it, why many men today are afraid of forming emotional bonds with other men. We discuss the myths of the “friend zone” and “dating leagues” and positive ways to navigate the issue of attraction to someone you’re just friends with. What is the difference between harassment and flirting? How does one go about reading and recognizing signs of romantic interest on the part of others? What special challenges are posed by long-distance dating in the age of social media? Is there a distinct moment at which two people are officially in a romantic relationship, or can it be largely unspoken? These questions and more are covered in this illuminating discussion.

Harris O’Malley, aka Doctor NerdLove, is an internationally recognized blogger, YouTuber, and dating coach, author of New Game+: The Geek’s Guide to Love, Sex, & Dating and the newly released book I Got Her Number. Now What? A Geek’s Guide to Texting.

Links:

Doctor NerdLove website:  http://www.doctornerdlove.com/

Doctor NerdLove on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drnerdlove

Doctor NerdLove on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNerdLove

Doctor NerdLove’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/DrNerdLove 

Join the official discussion group of this podcast at www.facebook.com/groups/aleapofdoubt. 

Consider supporting me Patreon if you enjoy the show: http://www.patreon.com/aleapofdoubt.

Thanks to Jeff Prebeg, Jeanne Ikerd, Torsten Pihl, Chris Watson, and Kim Bojkovsky for being my patrons!

Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TheNatheist. 

The opening clip is an excerpt from the audiobook “God is Not Great” by Christopher Hitchens, courtesy of Hachette Audio. Text Copyright 2007 by Christopher Hitchens. Audio production copyright 2007, Hachette Audio. Used with permission.

The opening and ending music is “Jade” by Esther Nicholson and is used under license. The editing was done by Rich Lyons of the “Living After Faith” podcast.

Check out our website: https://reasonrevolution.org.

Give us a like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reasonrevolution.