Why is dating such a big deal in Arab families—and why does it feel so judged?

IToday we get real about dating while Arab American. From navigating reputation and cultural expectations to building trust and making your own choices, they open up about the awkward, the honest, and everything in between.

You’ll hear stories about growing up with strict parents, the “no dating” rule, and how to actually talk to your parents (without starting World War III). They break down the importance of open communication, why reputation matters (but doesn’t define you), and how setting boundaries can actually build trust.

Whether you’re a teen figuring it all out, a parent trying to understand, or just nosy (we see you), this episode is packed with insight, laughter, and love.

You’ll learn:

- Why dating is taboo in many Arab households
- How to approach the topic with your parents (without freaking them out)
- What healthy dating looks like—with real limitations and real conversations
- Why grace, trust, and open hearts matter on both sides

Listen in and remember: it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being honest, respectful, and human.

Don’t forget to subscribe, send in your Therapy Thursday questions, and share this with a friend who needs to hear it.

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome to In Session with Nat & Ange

00:45 - Why dating is such a hot topic in Arab communities

02:00 - American norms vs. Arab expectations

04:30 - Arranged marriages & why our parents think differently

07:00 - Is love enough? Dating vs. traditional marriage values

10:00 - Are we chasing feelings or choosing love?

13:00 - Honest conversations: parents vs. kids

16:00 - Reputation: why it matters and how to talk about it

20:00 - Purity culture and parental fears

24:00 - Building trust through vulnerability

28:00 - Letting kids make mistakes—and be safe doing it

32:00 - The difference between teenage and adult dating

35:00 - What dating with limitations actually means

38:00 - What to look for in a dating partner

41:00 - Don’t look for perfect—look for growth

44:00 - Dating isn’t wrong—it just needs real conversations

46:30 - Final thoughts: Normalize dating with respe

The Truth About Parenting Styles: What Actually Works

Being a parent is tough, especially when everyone online tells you something different. In this episode, two mental health experts talk about different parenting styles and what they see working in real life. You’ll learn the four main styles of parenting—what they mean and how they affect kids. They explain why showing love and setting rules at the same time helps kids grow up healthy, happy, and strong.

They also give tips for what to do when kids throw tantrums, forget their homework, or break the rules. You’ll learn how to help your child understand their feelings, take responsibility, and become more confident. If you're feeling confused about what kind of parent to be, this episode will give you ideas that actually work—and remind you that you’re not alone.

There's no perfect way to parent, but being consistent, kind, and firm helps more than anything.

Chapters:

00:00 "Parenting Challenges and Insights"

05:54 "Authoritative Parenting Explained"

07:36 "Teaching Emotional Regulation in Discipline"

10:57 "Excessive Control is Problematic"

13:36 "Triplets’ Lives in Separate Households"

18:44 "Positive Parenting: 4-to-1 Rule"

20:54 "Be Consistent in Parenting"

22:55 Parenting Shapes Children's Behavior

26:08 "Quality Time Builds Connection"

29:43 Parental Overdoing: Loving Too Much?

32:33 "Parenting: Embrace the Long Game"

37:13 "Kids Learn Through Parental Modeling"

39:35 "Explaining vs. Instilling Fear"

42:34 "Supporting ADHD Through Structured Breaks"

46:45 "Kid Asks for Starbucks Cookie"

49:03 "Praising Effort Over Intelligence"

52:04 "Parenting Starts with Self-Growth"

55:26 "Thanks and Goodbye"

Welcome back to In Session with Nat & Ang!

Today we dive into the topic of “ghosting”—what it means, why it happens, and how it can make us feel, especially around the holidays.

We share some personal stories and talk openly about rejection, attachment styles, and the struggles that come with wondering “why did this happen to me?”

Together, we explore where ghosting comes from, why people do it, and how it connects to things like self-esteem and past experiences.

We'll be giving you tops for moving on and letting go when you don’t get closure, and encourage you to reflect on your own habits, feelings, and patterns in relationships.

So grab your favorite cozy socks or sweater, and join us for a conversation about the ghosts of Christmas past, learning to set boundaries, and growing into a stronger, more self-loving you!

Chapters:
00:00 "Holiday Romance Readiness Misconception"
04:08 "Impact of Ghosting Explained"
07:54 "Why Do People Ghost?"
12:32 "Emotional Expression and Upbringing"
15:44 Coping with Being Ghosted
19:41 "Overcoming Self-Doubt in Love"
20:40 "Embracing Risks in Relationships"
24:42 "Letting Go Brings Fulfillment"
27:34 "Ghosting: It's Not About You"
30:56 "Accepting Unanswered Questions"
36:09 "Patterns, Choices, and Self-Awareness"
38:17 "Reflect on Patterns and Feedback"
40:24 "Letting Go on a Train"
44:04 "Struggling to Stand Firm"
47:40 Learning to Say No
52:15 "Vulnerability and Healing"
53:49 "Open and Free Conversations"
56:11 "Holiday Wishes and Farewell"