Why Modern Dating Feels So Hard (And What Women Can Actually Do About It) | Shay Moore on Sex & Bacon

In this episode of Sex & Bacon, I'm joined by the vibrant and soulfully wise Shay Moore—a licensed marriage and family therapist with a love for all things messy, magical, and real when it comes to relationships. Together, we dive deep into the labyrinth of modern love, friendships, dating dilemmas, and the wild ride of being a woman who's trying to figure it all out without losing herself in the process. Shay brings raw honesty and therapeutic insight as we unpack the complexities of love, the importance of female friendships, and why your girlfriends really are your soulmates (even if they cook you dinner instead of sending flowers). 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways: Love in Shambles – From Studying It to Living It Shay shares her journey from being single and skeptical to becoming a therapist helping others navigate love—even when her own heart was still learning. Hyper-Independent Women & The Vulnerability Conundrum Why opening up feels like peeling your own skin off—and how we can soften without falling apart. Dating in the Digital Age – Why Is This So F*cking Hard? We talk about ghosting, texting anxiety, and whether being a "pen pal" counts as connection. Spoiler: it doesn't. Friends Who Love Us Too Hard How our besties can sometimes project their own pain into our dating lives—and how to tell when it's advice or overprotection talking. Sisterhood is Sacred Shay opens up about her own heartbreaks, the friends who walked beside her, and why adult female friendships are the real love story of your life. Healing Through Sisterhood, Honesty, & Hugs From seven-second hugs to "rotting on the couch" dates, we explore the power of being seen, held, and loved by other women—no filter, no judgment. We get into:  00:00 Intro 02:16 The Struggles of Modern Relationships 04:33 Navigating Dating Expectations 09:30 The Role of Friends in Relationship Advice 16:43 Mental Health and Relationship Breakdowns 18:03 Red Flags and Emotional Availability 23:14 The Tall Man Dilemma 23:37 Emotional Availability in Relationships 24:41 The Importance of Open Communication 28:16 Supporting Friends Through Breakups 31:49 Love Languages in Friendships 33:36 The Value of Female Friendships 42:15 Unapologetically You 48:19 Final Thoughts and Advice Connect with Shay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shifthappenswithshay/  Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2413290/episodes/16781737-the-power-of-vulnerability-how-being-real-strengthens-relationships Connect with me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourerotic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexandbacon1065  Email us: [email protected]