In this episode, we unpack one of the most emotionally charged questions in dating over 40:

Can you be friends with your ex and still build a secure new relationship?

This isn’t about control.

It’s about relational safety, emotional loyalty, and feeling chosen.

1. Why relational safety is the foundation of attraction after 40
2. How overstepping boundaries with an ex creates emotional abandonment
3. The difference between respectful co-parenting and blurred attachment
4. Why divided emotional loyalty quietly erodes trust
5. How attachment styles influence how we handle ex dynamics
6. The essential conversation every couple must have about exes early on
7. Red flags that signal unresolved attachment
8. Green flags that demonstrate maturity and prioritization
9. Why unfinished grief can masquerade as “friendship”
10. The role of ego, validation, and trauma bonds in keeping exes close
11. How to tell — in your body — when something feels unsafe

We explore how to protect the sacred space of a new relationship without being reactive, insecure, or controlling.

Because you can’t build a future while emotionally entertaining the past.

Past love isn’t the problem.

Unclear boundaries are.

🌹 Ready to claim your Femme Edge in dating?

Step into your magnetic feminine energy with somatic embodiment practices, rituals, and reflections inside the brand-new Substack.

WILD FEMME YOGA

👉 https://substack.com/@wildfemmeyoga/note/c-194490495?r=48uizv&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

🔥 Stop trying so hard—start being the energy that attracts.

Join the private Facebook community for women who are done performing in dating and ready to embody their power:

WILD FEMME (Private FB Community)

👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewildfemme

💖 Curious about your dating style?

Discover what may be standing between you and the love meant for you.

Take the Dating Quiz

👉 https://datingandrelatonshipadvice.com/dating-quiz

🧠 Need clarity on your current dating situation?

Book a one-off coaching session for grounded, objective guidance:

Dating Dilemma Coaching Session

👉 https://thedatingplaybook.com/bac

This podcast isn’t just...

Dating over 40 requires more than chemistry—it requires DISCERNMENT.

In this episode, we break down how to vett potential partners on dating apps with intention, focusing on safety, emotional maturity, and long-term alignment. This conversation is for anyone dating with the goal of finding a *future partner*—not wasting time, energy, or compromising their standards.

Vetting isn’t about being guarded.

It’s about being conscious.

💡 What We Cover in This Episode

🔒 Why Vetting Matters Over 40

* How vetting protects your safety, emotional health, and future.

* Why intentional dating requires slowing down and observing patterns

* The difference between chemistry and character

🧭 The Vetting Timeline We Recommend

1️⃣ Photos — Your First Filter

What pictures reveal about lifestyle, cleanliness, honesty, mental and emotional health, social structure, and alignment with your life.

2️⃣ In-App Messaging

Why staying on the app matters for safety and discernment—and what to listen for in early conversations.

3️⃣ Background Check

Why getting a last name and checking social media is essential before moving forward.

4️⃣ Video Call (Preferably In-App)

Confirming identity, energy, and emotional presence before investing more time.

5️⃣ In-Person Public Meeting

Safety steps every dater should take, including telling a friend who you’re meeting, where you’ll be, and having a check-in plan.

🖼️ What to Vet for in Dating Profile Photos

* Signs of misrepresentation or outdated photos

* Backgrounds that reveal lifestyle habits and self-regulation

* Whether photos show *the person* or avoid them altogether

* Clues about fitness, cleanliness, discipline, and social life

* Alignment with your values (children, hobbies, lifestyle)

Photos tell a story if you know how to read them.

💬 Vetting Through Messaging: Questions That Matter

Early Safety Questions (Asked Calmly & Directly)

* Have you ever been convicted of a violent crime?

* Have you ever been accused of physical or sexual assault?

* Has anyone ever taken out an order of protection against you?

How someone responds matters as much as the answer.

👩‍🦰 What Women Should Vet for in Men

* Emotional grounding and self-regulation

* Accountability for past relationships

* Consistency, discipline, and follow-through

* Leadership in communication and dating

* Ability to honor your emotions without gaslighting

* Vision, purpose, and commitment to self-growth

A conscious, grounded man, leads himself first.

👨 What Men Should Vet for in Women

* Emotional availability and nurturing energy

* Alignment with your values and life vision

* Willingness to receive masculine leadership

* Emotional maturity and accountability

* Ability to communicate without manipulation or gaslighting

A healthy feminine partner brings softness, warmth, and emotional safety.

❤️ Core Values Over Common Interests

Shared hobbies matter—but shared values*matter more.

We discuss why emotional regulation, honesty, growth, and integrity are non-negotiables for long-term partnership.

✨ Explore More Ways to Deepen Your Dating Journey

🌹 Ready to claim your *Femme Edge* in dating?

Step into your magnetic feminine energy with somatic embodiment practices, rituals, and reflections inside the brand-new Substack.

WILD FEMME YOGA

👉

Where Are Singles Over 40 Actually Meeting in 2026? A Global Dating Reality Check

Dating over 40 is changing and instead of making assumptions, we’re getting curious.

In this episode of Dating Over 40, we’re opening up an honest, intelligent, and heartfelt conversation about what dating really looks like right now, for singles over 40 across the globe.

Are people still meeting in bars?

Are dating apps the main way to connect or just one option?

Is dating easier, harder, or simply… different depending on where you live?

Rather than telling you what dating should look like, we’re inviting you to help us understand what it actually looks like—in real life, in real cities, and in real cultures.

This episode is light, flirty, thoughtful, and grounded in one core belief:

👉 Dating over 40 isn’t broken, it’s evolving.

🌍 We Want to Hear From You (Our Global Listeners!)

If you’re listening from anywhere in the world, thank you..... Truly.

This episode exists because of you.

We’d love for you to email us and share your take on dating where you live.

💌 Email us at:

ourtakethepodcast@gmail.com

You can keep it short and simple. Tell us:

* Where you’re located (city/country)

* Where singles over 40 actually meet in your area

* Whether bars, apps, social circles, or something else play a role

* What feels hard—and what feels surprisingly good—about dating right now

Your insights may be shared (anonymously) in a future episode as we reflect back the patterns, surprises, and truths emerging from this global conversation.

✨ Explore More Ways to Deepen Your Dating Journey

🌹 Ready to claim your *Femme Edge* in dating?

Step into your magnetic feminine energy with somatic embodiment practices, rituals, and reflections inside the brand new Substack:

**WILD FEMME YOGA**

👉 [https://substack.com/@wildfemmeyoga/note/c-194490495?r=48uizv&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action]

🔥 Stop trying so hard start being the energy that attracts

Join the private Facebook community for women who are done performing in dating and ready to embody their power:

WILD FEMME (Private FB Community)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewildfemme

💖 Curious about your dating style?

Discover what may be standing between you and the love meant for you.

Take the Dating Quiz

👉 https://datingandrelatonshipadvice.com/dating-quiz

🧠 Need clarity on your current dating situation?

If you’re navigating a connection and want an outside, grounded perspective, we offer one-off coaching sessions designed to help you move forward with confidence.

Book a Dating Dilemma Coaching Session

👉 https://thedatingplaybook.com/bac

💬 Stay Connected

This podcast isn’t just something you listen to—it’s a conversation you’re part of.

📩 Email us anytime at

Dating over 40 isn’t about guessing anymore—it’s about clarity. In this episode of Our Take on Dating Over 40, we introduce The Dating Rating Scale, a simple yet powerful tool to help you assess whether the man you’re dating is actually showing up in the ways that build trust, safety, and long-term connection. We walk you through the five non-negotiables every healthy relationship requires;

Communication, Integrity, Respect, Leadership, and Values and show you how to objectively evaluate what you’re experiencing instead of explaining it away.

If you’ve ever wondered “Am I being too picky… or not picky enough?” this episode is for you. Listen in as we break down how to use the Dating Rating Scale in real time and download the worksheet so you can score your relationship honestly and clearly. Stop wasting time, stop second-guessing yourself, and start dating from self-trust and self-respect. 🎧 Press play on the episode now and download The Dating Rating Scale below.

— Michael & Darlene 💫

Ladies, subscribe to my brand new SUBSTACK to learn about the FEMININE EDGE IN DATING with WILD FEMME YOGA https://substack.com/@wildfemmeyoga/note/c-194490495?r=48uizv&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

The New Way to Date in 2026 is here — and it’s not about him ladies. It’s about YOU.

In this episode, Darlene and Michael dive into dating with intention and integrity, revealing how to step out of old patterns, release hardened energy from past relationships, and return to your feminine embodiment. Discover how somatic practices, breathwork, and presence can make you magnetic, aligned, and ready to attract a partner who matches your values.

Learn what traits truly matter in a partner — integrity, growth, reflection, and repair — and why focusing on your own pleasure and radiance is the ultimate dating advantage.

✨ Ready to claim your Femme Edge in dating? Click over to my brand new SUBSTACK "WILD FEMME YOGA" to explore somatic feminine embodiment exercises, and more ways to magnetize the love you deserve. https://substack.com/@wildfemmeyoga/note/c-194490495?r=48uizv&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action

Tonight we have a fun topic for all of you out in the dating world. Tonight we are discussing the INSTANT TURN OFF's that both men and women do in dating. You do not want to miss this one!

Ladies stop trying so hard in dating and instead start BEING the energy that attracts. Join my private FB community WILD FEMME; https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewildfemme/

Learn about your dating style and what is standing between you and finally finding “the one” meant for you. Take our dating quiz and let love chase you!.

https://datingandrelatonshipadvice.com/dating-quiz

Did you know that we offer one off coaching sessions to help you navigate your dating situation? If you are dating someone and need an outside perspective and advice, we would love to meet you! Click here to sign up for a Dating Dilemma coaching session. https://thedatingplaybook.com/bac

Hi friends! Welcome to our humble corner of the podcast world. Tonight we are having a light conversation on the GOOD the BAD and the UGLY with flirting! See you inside.

Ladies stop trying so hard in dating and instead start BEING the energy that attracts. Join my private FB community WILD FEMME; https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewildfemme/

Learn about your dating style and what is standing between you and finally finding “the one” meant for you. Take our dating quiz and let love chase you!.

https://datingandrelatonshipadvice.com/dating-quiz

Did you know that we offer one off coaching sessions to help you navigate your dating situation? If you are dating someone and need an outside perspective and advice, we would love to meet you! Click here to sign up for a Dating Dilemma coaching session. https://thedatingplaybook.com/bac

Hi everyone! Welcome to OURTAKE! Tonight we are sharing a listener's "Dating Dilemma", and it is JUICY! We are diving into the secret world of affairs and giving honest insight into this unique love triangle situation. We would love to hear your take on this situation as well. Write to us at ourtakethepodcast@gmail.com and let us know your take on it or tell us about your dating dilemma. See you inside!

Ladies stop trying so hard in dating and instead start BEING the energy that attracts. Join my private FB community WILD FEMME; https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewildfemme/

Learn about your dating style and what is standing between you and finally finding “the one” meant for you. Take our dating quiz and let love chase you!.

https://datingandrelatonshipadvice.com/dating-quiz

Did you know that we offer one off coaching sessions to help you navigate your dating situation? If you are dating someone and need an outside perspective and advice, we would love to meet you! Click here to sign up for a Dating Dilemma coaching session. https://thedatingplaybook.com/bac