We’ve all heard the phrase “right person, wrong time”—but is that a real thing… or just a comfortable explanation for something deeper?

In this episode of The Cognac Room, we break down whether timing actually ends relationships or if emotional unavailability, lack of readiness, and misaligned priorities are the real issue. We explore the difference between emotional attraction and emotional availability, why strong connections still fail, and how timing often masks deeper relationship patterns.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you lost the right person—or wondered if love can survive bad timing—this episode will challenge how you think about commitment, capacity, and connection.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp

Cognac Room listeners get 10% off of your first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/cognacroom

What’s Actually the Bare Minimum in Dating?

Everyone talks about the bare minimum in dating—but very few people agree on what it actually is.

In this episode of The Cognac Room, we unpack one of the most debated questions in modern dating: what truly counts as effort, especially in the early stages of getting to know someone.

We explore how expectations around dating have shifted, why people often walk into early encounters with completely different definitions of effort, and how misunderstandings around “doing enough” create frustration, resentment, and missed connections.

As the episode unfolds, we challenge some commonly accepted ideas about what effort looks like—and question whether certain dating behaviors are actually meaningful or just convenient stand-ins for connection.

This isn’t about lowering standards.

It’s about clarifying them.

If you’ve ever left a date unsure whether someone really tried—or wondered if you were expecting too much or not enough—this episode is for you.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp

Cognac Room listeners get 10% off of your first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/cognacroom

Why do people go back to toxic relationships—even after the breakup brings instant relief? In this episode, Jay and Antoine dig into the psychology behind why toxic love feels so hard to walk away from. From trauma bonds and emotional addiction to fear of loneliness and old childhood patterns, They break down the real reasons people get stuck in unhealthy cycles with partners who drain them.

They talk about the back-and-forth, the late-night “I miss you” moments, the confusion between love and attachment, and the belief that someone toxic will finally change. If you’ve ever found yourself returning to someone you know isn’t good for you, or if you’re trying to understand why it’s so hard to leave for good, this episode gives you clarity, language, and real-life insight.

What you’ll learn:

• Why toxic relationships create emotional addiction

• How trauma bonds keep you emotionally hooked

• Why familiarity feels safer than starting over

• How self-worth, validation, and fear play a role

• The difference between chemistry, chaos, and real connection

• How to break the cycle and choose healthier love

Whether you’re healing, reflecting, or supporting someone who keeps going back, this conversation will help you make sense of the patterns that keep people stuck. Honest, relatable, and just messy enough—this is one of those episodes you’ll want to share.

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp

Cognac Room listeners get 10% off of your first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/cognacroom