Timing vs Avoidance: When to Date, When to Wait [Ep 102]

We answer Maria’s big question: Should you delay dating to work on yourself, or date to grow? We break down timing for men vs women, how to avoid “healing as avoidance,” what real standards look like, and how to prepare yourself so the right person actually shows up.What you’ll learnThe difference between healing and hidingWhy timing looks different for men and women—and what to do about itStandards vs expectations (and the one standard that stops toxic loops)How to spot avoidance disguised as self-workThe “bus stop” model: making timing meet preparationWhy most growth happens in relationship—and how not to sabotage itChapters00:00 Cold open: “Am I too picky—or just not settling?”01:03 Welcome back + life updates (UPW, Vegas, Ren Fair)03:18 Maria’s email: timing, self-work, and not settling06:20 Jumping into relationships vs waiting—what actually works10:05 Men’s path: build capability, leadership, stability14:10 Women’s path: discernment, standards, environment17:32 Healing vs avoidance: the tell-tale signs21:05 Standards that prevent toxicity (and how to enforce them)26:00 “Don’t date someone you won’t marry”—with nuance29:40 Growing together: why most growth is messy (and worth it)33:45 The “bus stop” analogy: creating your own timing37:10 Action steps + books that help (Queen’s Code, etc.)40:05 Q&A wrap + how to send your questionsSend your questionEmail: [email protected]: BetterThanPerfectPod.comSupport the showLike, comment your takeaway, and share this with someone who’s “waiting for the right time.”