Unzipped: Honest Dating During Dishonest Times

Friends, Velinda is one of many who see doing different 2 weekly broadcasts (both political and human/personal content) valuable as public radio adjusts to the direct defunding assault. I now volunteer so we can keep transmitting during these times. I hope you will join here and consider becoming a paid subscriber to keep this possible. I thank you!Ah, the internet—a place where everyone's living their best lives, or at least pretending to. A paradise of curated perfection, where breakfast isn’t eaten unless it's photogenic, and even misery comes with a tasteful sepia filter. But somewhere in this digital masquerade, there’s you—wondering just how much of your actual self you should let slip through the cracks. Cary and Flash unzip the dilemma.That’s today’s grand experiment: “Being Real Online: How Much Should You Share?” Should you spill your guts in a heartfelt confession, hoping for connection? Or maybe you’d rather hold your cards close, maintaining the illusion that your life is an uninterrupted highlight reel? Because let’s be honest—too much honesty is like an unfiltered selfie under fluorescent lighting. No one asked for it, and most people don’t know what to do with it.We’ll be diving into this little dilemma, sorting out how to walk the fine line between transparency and good old-fashioned self-preservation. Can you build trust without broadcasting your every existential crisis? Is digital intimacy even real intimacy? And how do you keep your soul intact when the algorithm demands constant engagement?Now, let’s talk about the fine art of human deception—Ghosting, Breadcrumbing, and Catfishing. Three delightful little pastimes that make you wonder if the dating pool is actually a toxic waste dump.Ghosting—because nothing says “mature adult” quite like vanishing into thin air after three weeks of emotionally charged texting. Poof! Gone. No explanation, no closure, just the digital equivalent of leaving for cigarettes and never coming back.Breadcrumbing—this is for the sadists who won’t commit but won’t quite let you escape either. A like here, a vague compliment there, just enough attention to keep you dangling like some poor, lovesick marionette. They don’t want you, but heaven forbid you move on.And then we have Catfishing—the pièce de résistance. This one’s not just bad dating etiquette; it’s identity fraud with a side of shattered trust. That gorgeous doctor you’ve been texting for months? Turns out he’s a guy in his mom’s basement, living out his delusions between bites of cold pizza.This week, we're unpacking the messy reality of online dating! Join us as we explore the world of filtered photos, deceptive profiles, and frustrating dating trends like "ghosting" and "breadcrumbing." We'll discuss:* How online profiles often distort reality.* The power shift in dating apps and its impact.* The contrasting approaches men and women take to online dating.* The challenges of authenticity and trust in the digital age.* Tips for navigating the online dating world and spotting red flags.Whether you're single, coupled, or just curious, this insightful discussion will shed light on the ever-evolving landscape of modern relationships, necessary than ever during frightening times. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit caryharrison.substack.com/subscribe