How much do you really need to have your shit together to date? Should you work on yourself first or just go out there and date exactly as you are? Listen in for Heather’s advice on how to handle insecurities while putting yourself out there in the dating world. Heather discusses the importance of authenticity, consent, communication and boundaries when it comes to new sexual relationships. Discover how being vulnerable can actually be a transformative (and fun!) growth experience. Heather shares her own experiences in the dating world when she tells people she’s a sex therapist and offers tips on healthy ways to approach sex & dating . . . including when to take a break.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARNWhen it’s time to make a move and the importance of discussing communication preferencesThe age old question . . . dating apps or no?Why it’s important to FOLLOW THE FUN and how you’ll actually get better results with dating if you do.Why pushing yourself to be authentic is hard . . . and worth it!How sex with someone new can trigger our attachment wounds and how we can practice showing up for ourselves when that happens.TIMESTAMPS[00:00:00] Navigating Sex and Vulnerability While Single[00:03:32] Embracing Self-Acceptance for Personal Growth[00:06:51] Challenges of Dating as a Therapist[00:10:04] Mindset Shifts for Better Dating[00:13:10] Importance of Authenticity and Communication in Early Dating[00:16:34] Healthy Sexual Boundaries Resource[00:19:41] Join Our Community for Free Coaching and Q&ALINKS & RESOURCESWORK WITH HEATHER:Apply for a no-pressure $1 discovery call to learn about Heather’s 3-month “Intimacy Infusion” coaching program - https://heathershannon.co/video-page/LET’S CONNECT! FIND HEATHER HERE ⤵️:Heather’s Website - https://HeatherShannon.coHeather’s Instagram - https://instagram.com/AskASexTherapistJoin Heather’s free “Ask A Sex Therapist” Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1552153898553717Heather’s YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHeUNWJIkOPSK6-Bwvf0EOwSIMILARLY AWESOME EPISODESLiked the episode? Here’s a few more episodes of Ask A Sex Therapist that you'll enjoy:#17. Healthy Sexual Boundaries - https://pod.fo/e/16dfad#14. Why “Self Love” Is Annoying - https://pod.fo/e/1689e1#12 Why Consent Is Sexy AF - https://pod.fo/e/164fe6#9 How To Feel Sexy - https://pod.fo/e/15f72aRATE & REVIEW US!Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here. https://podfollow.com/AskASexTherapist You want to leave a review, but you’re tech challenged? Spotify/Android Instructions: https://youtu.be/_Y95wV80yk0 Apple Podcast Instructions: https://youtube.com/shorts/8EEOq-RltwIAll Apple written reviews are eligible to win a 3-book bundle from Heather’s Amazon Storefront (https://www.amazon.com/shop/heathershannonlcpc). Listen to the podcast to win and if you hear your review read, email us at AskASexTherapistPodcast@gmail.com to claim your prize!