Dating with Intention: Becoming the Partner You Seek

Dating with Intention: Becoming the Partner You Seek

Episode Summary:
In this lively and insightful conversation, co-hosts (and Zessio Co-Founders) Mandi Roarke, LMFT, and Dr. Sapna Srivastava welcome special guest Dr. Sarah Kyle—licensed therapist, dating coach, and co-host of the podcast Dateable AF. Together, they dive into the complexities of dating with intention, building self-awareness, and becoming "relationship ready."

Drawing from both clinical expertise and real-life experiences, they explore how internal work, nervous system awareness, character discernment, and authentic communication can all shape healthier dating experiences—and ultimately lead to more fulfilling relationships.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What it means to "date with intention"
  
  
• How to become the partner you’re seeking
  
  
• Decoding nervous system cues: butterflies, anxiety, and green flags
  
  
• The difference between chemistry and character
  
  
• The myth of the "perfect partner" and avoiding settling out of fatigue
  
  
• Redefining your dating "list": what’s truly a dealbreaker vs. a preference
  
  
• Recognizing limerence (infatuation) vs. sustainable love
  
  
• Building self-trust after heartbreak or bad relationships
  
  
• The power of maintaining friendship and kindness in long-term relationships
  
  
• Why growth is a lifelong, spiraling process—not a final destination
  
  
• Actionable ways to "do the work" outside of therapy
  
  
• Why being your authentic self is the ultimate dating strategy
  
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: You Are the One You’ve Been Waiting For by Dr. Richard Schwartz (IFS founder)
  
  
• Book: Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel
  
  
• Book: Wired for Dating by Stan Tatkin
  
  
• Concepts: Spiral staircase of growth, sound relationship house by John Gottman, the importance of kindness and generosity in maintaining connection
  
  

Guest Links:

• Website:  www.sarahkyle.com
  
  
• Podcast: Dateable AF (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more)
  
  
• Dateability Assessment & Resources: getdateable.com
  
  
  

Connect with Zessio:

• Instagram: @myzessio
  
  
• Website & Resources: zessio.com
  
  

If you enjoyed this episode:
Please rate, review, and subscribe! Sharing helps more people find our content and supports us in continuing to create conversations that uplift, empower, and connect. Thank you for being part of the Zessions community!