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

EPISODE · May 1, 2026 · 8 MIN

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

from Taboo to Truth: Life & Sex After 50

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 Matters00:48 - Ghosting: They Disappear With No Explanation01:35 - Zombieing: Coming Back Like Nothing Happened02:10 - Future Faking: Big Promises, Zero Follow-Through02:52 - Ghost Lighting: Ghosting + Gaslighting in One Toxic Move03:42 - Meet Lem From Nancy04:12 - Micro-Cheating: Is It Really Cheating?04:48 - Benching: You're On the Roster But Never In the Game05:14 - Banksying: The Slow Fade That Goes Nowhere05:40 - Breadcrumbing: Just Enough to Keep You Hooked06:15 - Love Bombing: Intensity Followed by Disappearance06:50 - Situationships: Emotionally Involved With No Clarity07:25 - The 3-6-9 Rule for Checking Compatibility08:05 - Final Thoughts & How to Trust Yourself FasterWant 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: [email protected]: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastKaren 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: [email protected]: https://www.taboototruth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruthYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcastSubstack: https://karenbigman.substack.comTake control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.LINKS, EXCLUSIVE VIP DISCOUNTS, COURSES & FREEBIES💋 Hotter, Wilder, Wiser | You’ve mastered everything else in life — now master pleasure! https://www.taboototruth.com/hotter-wilder-wiser🚨 If you are a man navigating your partner’s menopause and feel lost, check out my NEW course ‘Men Meet Menopause’! AND to celebrate the launch, iI am giving you 20% off with code MMPLAUNCH20 https://bit.ly/MeenMeetMenopause🔥 Ready to spice things up? This Yes/No/Maybe list is your permission slip for pleasure. https://www.taboototruth.com/free-resources-1/yes%2Fno%2Fmaybe%3F🍋 Save 25% off on the Lem using code Taboo25🛒 Link: Hellonancy.com/discount/TABOO25🚨 Save 25% on Le Wand using code Taboo25🛒 Link: https://www.lewandmassager.com💦 Shop my favorite lube from Pjur🛒 Link: https://www.pntrac.com/t/8-10991-371921-141081?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.babeland.com%2Fsearch%3Fst%3Dproduct%26q%3Dpjur

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

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