Today, get ready to geek out with us on the podcast! We're thrilled to have Faith Hill, a staff writer at The Atlantic, joining Lily for an insightful conversation about research and its cultural impact on dating. We get into topics like dating dynamics, dating yourself, social connections, and being single.  Together, Lily and Faith dive into Faith’s latest articles about exploring love, dating, and the complexities of singlehood. What's particularly captivating about Faith's writing is how she addresses those burning questions that naturally arise as you delve into the research she shares.  Tune in for a chat that sheds light on the intriguing intersection where love, society, and human connections meet! ?️✨ We get into: Dating culture and its problematic value of coupled people over singles  What the research showed regarding dating “spark vs. slow burn.”  The assumption that we'll be happier in a relationship The emotions that get stirred up when examining this statement, “As your friends get coupled, it could feel like a ghost town.” Hot-take: “Spending all your time with your partner is not great for your relationship or friendships.” Allowing for messy intimacy with friendships or partners  Perception and feelings about solo dating: how to release the narrative that taking yourself on a date means you are lonely, and how to bring more pleasure to solo time Hot-take: “Solitude is not antithetical to connection.” Links: Pre-order Lily’s upcoming book, Thank You, More Please! 130. How to find and create "exhale" friendships with Blake Blankenbecler 173. Fighting for our friendships with Danielle Bayard Jackson Faith’s articles referenced in this episode: No, You Shouldn’t ‘Date ’Em ’Til You Hate ’Em’ https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2023/11/awkward-modern-dating-the-spark/676039/ Don't let love take over your life https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2023/09/relationship-balance-love-friendship-autonomy/675321/ Take yourself on a date!  https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/12/seeing-movies-alone-solo-date-in-public/672363/ Show notes: http://datebrazen.com/blog/research-cultural-impact-of-dating