Topic 11: Dating Deconstructed

What this episode covers

Remember writing "hello" to a crush on a school desk? Dating looks nothing like that anymore—and this episode breaks down exactly how it has changed for a generation growing up with a phone in their hand.Retired Air Force Colonel Merryl Tengesdal and psychotherapist Shea Phinney, MFT, sit down to decode modern teen and preteen dating: the endless texting, the mysterious "situationship," the sting of getting ghosted, and the communication etiquette nobody taught our kids yet.What you will learn in this episode:The difference between the "talking stage," a situationship, and a real relationship.The "30-Second Block" — why teens are so quick to cut communication and how to handle it.How to handle being ghosted without taking it personally or internalizing the rejection.Practical parent tips for monitoring phone use, utilizing carrier controls, and understanding teen acronyms.Why self-worth and clear values matter more than any single text thread.How teens (and adults) can give themselves grace while "learning how to human."Whether you are a parent watching your kid navigate their first crush or a teen trying to figure out why the conversation suddenly went to crickets, this one meets you where you are. Merryl and Shea mix real talk with plenty of laughs, honest personal stories, and genuinely useful advice.The big takeaways? Do not blow up someone's phone when they go quiet. Sprinkle your texts with a little patience. And remember—being ghosted usually says more about the other person than it does about you. You are worthy of being treated well.Join the conversation: Which part of digital dating trips you up the most—situationships, ghosting, or figuring out the slang? Drop it in the comments so we can tackle it in a future episode.Subscribe to Breaking Formation for more honest conversations about raising and being young people in the age of social media and AI.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. These are recommendations, not meant to diagnose or treat any condition. If you need support, please seek the help of a qualified medical or mental health professional.#breakingformation #teendating #situationship #ghosting #parentingteens #digitaldating #teenmentalhealth #onlinedating #parentingtips #adolescenthealth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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