Holiday Dating Truths: Finding Love During Peak Season with Bela Gandhi

Bela Gandhi, founder of Smart Dating Academy, joins Jamie and Pascal on In My Hometown to break down why the holidays are peak dating season - and how to actually find love during it.From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, dating activity surges, with Dating Sunday (the first Sunday of January) marking the busiest online dating day of the year, with spikes in matches and messages.In this episode, we talk about:-Why holiday dating feels different—and why that can work in your favor-How to approach dating apps strategically without relying on them exclusively-Why real connection still happens offline (and how to create more opportunities)-Common dating patterns that block healthy relationships -and how to shift them.-The role mindset and positive thinking play in dating success-What to do if dating apps have left you frustrated or burned outAnd of course, Pascal weighs in on his dating life, why dating apps haven’t worked for him, and why he’s officially not a fan—leading to an honest, relatable (and always funny) conversation about modern dating and expectations.Whether you’re dating, navigating relationships, or ready to approach love differently in the new year, this episode delivers practical advice, clarity, and encouragement from a trusted voice in dating and relationship coaching.👉 Subscribe to In My Hometown for more conversations about love, relationships, reinvention, and life at every stage.💬 Join the conversation in the comments: Do you agree with Pascal about dating apps? What's been harder -dating or building real relationships?