The Delusion We Call Romance: How Media Fantasies, Simp Culture, and Online Performance Are Warping Modern Dating with Marley Freygang

In this hilarious and honest episode of The Visibility Standard (formerly All Our Parts), Jazz and Marley dive headfirst into the messy reality of modern dating—calling out simp behavior, unrealistic expectations, and the subtle ways we were taught to find our worth in someone else’s attention.We unpack how growing up on mature content, romanticized media, and fantasy-driven love stories shaped how many of us approach relationships today. From Disney movies and rom-coms to the emotional chaos of pop culture icons like The Weeknd, this conversation explores how media taught us to chase intensity, perform desirability, and mistake longing for love.In this episode, we explore:How media fantasies and early exposure shaped our dating expectationsWhy “simp culture” and overgiving became normalized in relationshipsThe pressure to perform perfect love online vs. the reality of dating failsWhy setting boundaries with media is an act of self-loveWhat it actually looks like to choose yourself before choosing someone elseThis episode is equal parts spicy and smart—the post-heartbreak, main-character energy you didn’t know you needed. If you’re navigating dating burnout, unrealistic expectations, or learning how to decenter validation and recenter yourself, this conversation offers laughter, clarity, and a much-needed reality check.Romance doesn’t have to be a performance. Your worth isn’t earned through longing. And choosing yourself is the most attractive move you can make.Support the showIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman in your life who's been in a quiet season and needs to hear that it counts as growth too. And if you haven't left a rating yet — it takes 30 seconds and means everything. Let's keep building this together.💜`If this conversation sparked something for you and you’re ready for deeper support, I work with high-achieving women, creatives, and founders through individual therapy—supporting you in building a life and relationships that feel steady, connected, and aligned. And if you’re craving clarity around your brand, message, or how you’re showing up publicly, The Visibility Studio is my 90-minute marketing mentorship session designed to help you cut through the noise and build a strategy that actually feels like you.You can learn more about my services at https://www.jazzmynproctor.com/