Why do we tolerate things in relationships that leave us feeling uneasy or diminished, and when does acceptance quietly turn into self betrayal? In this episode, I talk about how toleration often reflects where we are emotionally, especially after divorce, and why growth changes what we are willing to accept. I also talk about the difference between healthy compromise and harmful toleration, and how repeated self override can slowly erode self trust.   I break this down into three clear levels of toleration to help you get grounded. We look at what is non-negotiable, how core preferences shape compatibility, and where growth flexibility can exist without sacrificing your values. Along the way, I invite you to reflect on what you have tolerated in the past and what you may still be tolerating now. At the heart of this episode is reclaiming self-respect, ending betrayal of the self, and choosing relationships that truly support who you are becoming.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why We Tolerate Painful Relationship Patterns 02:21 Recalculating After Divorce and Getting Grounded 04:47 Letting Go of Judgment and Honoring Personal Growth 06:50 Compromise Versus Self Betrayal in Relationships 08:55 Non-Negotiables and What You Should Never Tolerate 11:30 Core Preferences and Compatibility in Dating 13:52 Growth Flexibility Without Betraying Yourself 16:14 The Three Levels of Toleration Explained 18:19 When Toleration Ends and Change Becomes Necessary Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Visit Dr. Stacey’s website Follow Dr. Stacey on Instagram Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Does your post divorce dating life feel uncomfortably familiar to your last relationship? In this episode, I talk about how unresolved wounds can quietly steer your choices after divorce and how you can begin to date from your values instead. I walk through common patterns I see in my clients such as overfunctioning in relationships, a pull toward intense chemistry with emotionally unavailable partners, and a tendency to say yes out of fear or scarcity, then I help you notice where those patterns might show up in your own story. Together, we explore what you truly want to feel in your next relationship and how to let values such as integrity, consistency, emotional availability and kindness guide who gets access to your heart.   My goal is to help you see where wounds have been calling the shots and to offer a clear path toward values-based dating after divorce so you feel more grounded, more confident and more honest with yourself. If you have ever wondered whether you can trust your judgment again or whether a different kind of love is possible for you, this episode gives you grounded language, tools, and a new way to think about every choice you make in your dating life.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Dating After Divorce: Are You Dating From Wounds Or Values? 02:22 How To Stop Repeating Past Relationship Patterns 06:49 What Values Based Dating Looks Like With A Healed Identity 11:41 3 Wound Driven Dating Patterns To Avoid After Divorce 16:01 Visualizing Your Next Relationship And Defining Core Values 20:05 Choosing Behavior Over Potential In Post Divorce Dating 26:54 Writing Your Next Chapter With Values Based Dating Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Visit Dr. Stacey’s website Follow Dr. Stacey on Instagram Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Divorce can make your whole life feel strange, like the identity you used to count on no longer fits. In this episode, I talk about how to reset your identity after divorce in a way that feels grounded instead of chaotic. Are you really starting over or are you standing in a hallway with the old door closed and a row of new doors in front of you. Who do you want to be as you walk through the next one?   I walk you through how your nervous system, your boundaries, and your daily choices shape your identity now, and I share questions that help you see yourself more clearly. Who are you when nobody needs you? What lights you up instead of draining you? I also guide you through a three column journal reset that explores who you no longer are, who you are right now, and who you are becoming, along with a central question to keep returning to: What does the next version of me need in order to emerge? By the end you have a kinder, more intentional way to reset your identity after divorce and to build a life that feels closer to who you really are.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why You Feel Lost After Divorce 00:46 The GPS Method For Healing And Grounding After Divorce 03:06 Moving Out Of Survival Mode And Into Your New Life 05:27 Have You Really Lost Yourself Or Just Turned Down Your Own Volume 07:52 Finding What Lights You Up And Feels Good In Your Body 08:58 Using Your Divorce As Data About Identity, Boundaries, And Needs 11:26 What Your Nervous System Reveals About Safety And Partnership 13:33 Visualizing Your Future Self And New Possibilities After Divorce 16:01 Three Column Journal Exercise To Reset Your Identity 18:22 What The Next Version Of You Needs To Fully Emerge Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Visit Dr. Stacey’s website Follow Dr. Stacey on Instagram Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Discover how your nervous system quietly shapes your dating standards after divorce and why learning its signals can change every choice you make.   In this episode, I talk about how your nervous system influences the people you feel drawn to and the patterns that tend to repeat themselves in your dating life. A regulated state helps you choose partners who align with your values. A dysregulated state can pull you toward familiar dynamics that feel intense at first but rarely support the kind of connection you truly want. Have you ever wondered why certain matches feel electric right away or why you keep ending up in situations that don’t serve you?   I walk you through simple ways to check in with yourself so you can notice whether you feel grounded or activated before you swipe, text, or head out on a date. These small moments of awareness help you regulate and make choices from clarity instead of fear. If you’ve been searching for a way to understand your patterns or rebuild trust with yourself after divorce, this episode offers a grounded path forward.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Understanding Standards in Post-Divorce Dating 02:57 The Role of the Nervous System in Dating 05:48 Recognizing Dysregulated Dating Behaviors 09:12 The Importance of Grounding and Regulation 11:55 Shifting from Survival Mode to Calm 14:50 Establishing Healthy Standards in Dating 18:02 Practical Techniques for Nervous System Regulation 21:04 Defining Personal Standards for Dating   Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Visit Dr. Stacey’s website Follow Dr. Stacey on Instagram Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Ground yourself before you swipe, because clarity and calm are the real GPS for a confident post-divorce dating journey.    In this episode, I’m inviting you to slow down and get grounded before diving back into the world of dating. I’ve created a new framework to guide this journey - G for grounding, P for preparing for love, and S for stepping forward - and today, we’re starting with the “G.” Before you can move toward love, you have to know where you are.   I want you to ask yourself: How do I want to show up on a date? What parts of me feel most at ease and authentic? I share some simple ways to help you reconnect with your center - breathwork, movement, journaling, and setting intentions - so you can date with clarity instead of falling into old patterns or fear. When you’re grounded, you spot red flags more easily, you trust yourself more deeply, and you stop giving your power away to what someone else thinks of you.   Grounding isn’t about staying still. It’s about remembering who you are so you can move through your dating journey with steadiness, curiosity, and heart. I’ll leave you with a journal prompt to start that reflection: What helps me feel most grounded and safe in my body, and how can I bring that into my dating life?   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The GPS Framework for Post-Divorce Dating 03:05 Why Being Grounded Matters Before You Date Again 06:54 Recognizing Red Flags and Staying Self-Aware 09:14 Simple Grounding Practices to Build Clarity and Calm 14:33 Handling Rejection and Rebuilding Self-Trust 16:18 Guided Grounding Exercise and Journal Prompt   Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Visit Dr. Stacey’s website Follow Dr. Stacey on Instagram Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Unhealed trauma has a quiet way of shaping how we love. The same patterns that once helped me survive (and probably helped you too) can turn into walls that keep real closeness out.   In this episode, I’m unpacking how those old wounds can show up in your relationships and why real healing starts from within. Have you ever noticed yourself pulling away when things get too real? Or finding that the same patterns keep repeating, even with different people? We’re diving into what’s underneath that and how to finally start shifting it.   I’ll share insights from trauma experts like Gabor Maté and Bessel van der Kolk, along with what I’ve seen in my own decades of work helping women rebuild after heartbreak. We’ll talk about the four trauma responses (fight, flight, freeze, and fawn) and how they can quietly influence the way you communicate, connect, and protect yourself in love.   I’ll also walk you through ways to begin healing - recognizing your triggers, using tools like EMDR or internal family systems, and choosing partners who feel emotionally safe and accountable. Because love after trauma isn’t about finding someone who never triggers you. It’s about being with someone who’s willing to grow and heal right alongside you.   My hope is that this episode helps you see your patterns with a little more compassion and curiosity. Ask yourself: what have my past experiences taught me about love, and what am I ready to do differently now?   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 How Unhealed Trauma Affects Relationships 00:55 The Right One Myth and Inner Healing 02:42 Defining Trauma with Gabor Maté and Bessel van der Kolk 06:39 The Four Trauma Responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn 11:04 How Trauma Shapes Attachment and Emotional Safety 14:05 Trust and Vulnerability After Trauma 17:29 When Survival Strategies Block Connection 20:22 Healing Tools: EMDR, IFS, Somatic Work 24:50 Healthy Communication and Repair Practices 27:34 Love After Trauma: Healing and Growing Together Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Visit Dr. Stacey’s website Follow Dr. Stacey on Instagram Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dating after divorce raises big questions about trust, timing, and how to show up as your most grounded self.   In this episode, I’m answering some of the most common and emotionally layered questions I hear from women navigating the dating world after divorce. I share honest, compassionate answers about rebuilding trust, introducing a new partner to your children, and deciding how much to share about your past relationships early on. I’ll walk you through what it means to truly trust yourself, how to listen to your intuition, and why slow, intentional dating matters. If you’re asking these questions too, you’re not alone. And I hope this conversation brings you the clarity, confidence, and encouragement you need for your next steps forward.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Navigating the Dating World After Divorce 01:15 How to Rebuild Trust After Betrayal 03:08 Learning to Trust Yourself First 05:26 When to Introduce a New Partner to Your Kids 08:08 Lessons from Introducing Someone Too Soon 09:54 Should You Talk About Your Ex on a First Date? 14:07 Finding the Lesson in Every Dating Experience 15:45 Journal Prompt: Who Do You Want to Be on a Date? 16:41 You Are Divorced, Not Done Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Visit Dr. Stacey Rose’s Website Follow Dr. Stacey Rose on Instagram Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Have you ever wondered what might happen if you pressed pause on dating after divorce? I know it can feel counterintuitive when everyone else is swiping, but I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the benefits of stepping back can be.   In this episode, I share why taking a conscious break from dating gives you the space to heal, reset, and rediscover yourself. What new passions might you uncover if you stopped scrolling and tried something different? How might your confidence grow if you gave yourself the time to reflect on what you truly want? During one of my own dating detox periods, I took a simple vocal lesson that turned into years of joy performing in a band, something I never would have discovered if I had stayed caught up in the dating cycle.   A dating detox is more than just a pause. It’s an opportunity to find clarity, rebuild confidence, and strengthen the most important relationship you’ll ever have - the one with yourself!   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Dating Detox 01:36 Why Take a Dating Detox 06:03 Benefits of a Dating Detox 07:09 Discovering New Passions 10:01 Avoiding Past Relationship Mistakes 19:01 Challenges of Loneliness 25:12 The Strength in Pausing Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Dr. Stacey Rose Instagram Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dating apps can feel like a maze. Exciting at first, but quickly overwhelming if you’re not clear on what you want. Before you start swiping, have you thought about why you’re there in the first place? Are you curious, looking for connection, or just passing time? The answer matters.   In this episode, I share five smart swiping pointers to help you approach dating apps with clarity and intention. We’ll talk about emotional readiness, how to choose the right app for you, creating a profile that actually reflects who you are, moving from first conversations to first dates, and how to recognize both red and green lights along the way.   The goal isn’t just finding someone but also learning about yourself in the process. How do you feel as you swipe? What signals make you want to lean in, or back away? These are the moments that shape not only your dating journey, but your confidence in knowing what’s right for you.   Dating after divorce can be a chance to rewrite the story. And with the right mindset, even swiping left can bring you closer to the connection you’re truly seeking.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Dating Apps After Divorce: Where to Begin 02:33 Emotional Preparation for Smart Swiping 05:36 How to Choose the Best Dating App for You 09:12 Crafting an Authentic Dating Profile That Works 12:59 Conversations and First Dates: What Really Matters 15:37 Dating Red Flags and Green Lights to Watch For 18:46 Journal Prompts for Post-Divorce Dating Clarity Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Dr. Stacey Rose Instagram Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Self-care is the most powerful tool I have found for rebuilding confidence and creating real connections in the dating world after divorce. I want to take you beyond the usual ideas of self-care and explore how to truly care for your whole self. How often do you check in with your values before saying yes to something? Have you noticed how old wounds from past relationships can still influence the way you show up today?    In this episode, I talk about healing unresolved trauma, tending to the parts of yourself that still feel unseen, and making choices that keep you aligned with who you are at your core. I walk you through the key pillars of self-care: spiritual, social, mental, physical, emotional, and financial, and share ways each one can help you feel more confident and grounded in dating. You’ll hear tools you can use to set an intention before a date, reflect afterward with honesty, and stay rooted in your truth no matter what.    More than anything, I want you to remember that the relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other connection in your life.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Importance of Self-Care After Divorce 04:07 How Unresolved Trauma Affects Dating and Relationships 05:13 Honoring Your Soul and Living Authentically 07:33 The Pillars of Spiritual, Social, Mental, Physical, and Emotional Self-Care 15:09 Financial Self-Care Essentials 15:51 Lessons for Success in Post-Divorce Dating 17:16 Pre-Date and Post-Date Rituals for Confidence and Clarity 20:38 Why You Must Love Yourself First 21:01 Dating Yourself Before Dating Others Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Dr. Stacey Rose Instagram Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dating after divorce can bring up all kinds of emotions… hope, excitement, anxiety, even that rush to find someone new. But have you stopped to ask yourself why you really want to date?   In this episode, I’m digging into that question and walking you through the three big drivers I see come up most often after a divorce: lust, love, and loneliness. How do you know if it's a real connection or just chemistry? Are you drawn to someone because you’re genuinely ready or because being alone feels too hard right now? I’ll share tools like the slow burn test and the boring-but-beautiful checklist to help you get clear on what’s real. I’ll also talk about trauma bonds, emotional hunger, and what it actually looks like to build a relationship that feels safe, steady, and right for you. This is an invitation to get honest with yourself and to make choices that come from a place of wholeness, not urgency.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Divorced Women Dating 01:02 Why Do You Want to Date After Divorce? 02:07 Lust vs. Love: Understanding the Chemistry Confuser 03:12 The Slow Burn Test for Lust 05:32 What Real Love Looks Like 08:54 How to Spot a Trauma Bond 12:12 The Boring but Beautiful Checklist for Healthy Love 14:21 Loneliness and Emotional Hunger 19:51 Journal Prompt: What Are You Truly Craving? 22:02 Lust Is a Spark, Love Is a Flame, Loneliness Is the Wind Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Website: www.staceyrose.com Instagram: @theroserelationship Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

When most women start dating after divorce, they focus on profiles, pictures, and what to say. But I want to ask you something deeper… What kind of energy are you bringing with you?   In this episode, I’m talking about something that’s often overlooked in dating: your energy. The vibe you carry into every interaction says more than the words you choose. Are you grounded and curious, or are old wounds still doing the talking? After more than 30 years as a therapist, and as someone who’s lived through post-divorce dating myself, I’ve seen how powerful it is to understand the energy you’re putting out there. I’ll walk you through four common dating energy types and help you check in with what’s really going on beneath the surface.    So ask yourself: What kind of energy are you leading with today, and is it helping you move toward the connection you want?   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Secret Ingredient Most Women Overlook in Dating 00:43 Why Dating Energy Matters More Than Your Profile 05:07 The Four Types of Dating Energy Explained 06:56 What Queen Energy Looks Like in Real Life 08:41 How Awareness of Your Energy Can Shift Your Dating Experience 09:04 Three Mindset Shifts for Empowered Dating 11:03 Why Regulating Your Nervous System Affects Dating Outcomes 12:15 Journal Prompt: What Energy Are You Bringing Into Dating? 13:08 The Real Goal of Dating After Divorce Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Website: www.staceyrose.com Instagram: @theroserelationship Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Most people assume dating again starts with setting up a profile, but I’ve found that real readiness begins much earlier and much deeper.   In this episode, I’m walking you through the six stages of dating readiness I’ve developed after decades of helping women navigate relationships and, like many of you, going through my own post-divorce journey. We’ll start with grief (yes, even if your marriage felt over long before the papers were signed) and move through emotional clarity, self-awareness, and rediscovery. I’ll ask you to reflect: What patterns might you still be carrying? What do you actually want, outside of what you’ve been told to want?   This is not just about dating tips. It is about giving yourself the time, space, and honesty to move forward with intention. I’ll also share a journal prompt to help you figure out where you are in the process and what kind of support would really serve you right now.   If you’ve been wondering whether you’re ready to date again, I hope this episode gives you a more grounded, thoughtful place to begin.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Dating Readiness 01:56 The Importance of Grieving 05:17 Achieving Emotional Clarity 07:44 Self-Awareness and Rediscovery 10:35 Knowing What You Want 13:59 Taking Things Slowly and Trusting Your Gut 17:23 Building Connection with Integrity 19:54 Journal Prompt Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Website: www.staceyrose.com Instagram: @theroserelationship Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Post-divorce dating can feel like stepping into a world you don’t quite recognize… and I know that firsthand.   In this first episode of Divorced Women Dating, I share why I created this podcast and what I hope it becomes for you. With more than 30 years as a therapist and over a decade as a divorced woman, I’ve seen how confusing, overwhelming, and isolating this chapter can be. There’s no guidebook for rebuilding your life, much less for figuring out how to date again. But divorce isn’t the end of your story. It’s the start of a chapter you get to write with clarity, courage, and intention.   I’ll talk through some of the questions that come up the most: How do you know if you’re really ready to date? What does readiness even feel like? What happens if you’re still grieving or just not sure what you want? I’ll also introduce a few simple tools, including a quiz and a journaling prompt, to help you reconnect with yourself and your goals.   This podcast is a space for honesty, self-discovery, and a little humor because dating after divorce can be messy, weird, and unexpectedly meaningful. If you’re caught somewhere between heartbreak and hope, you’re not alone. We’ll figure it out together.   Stay tuned, Dr. Stacey Rose   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Divorced Women Dating 02:20 Navigating Life After Divorce 04:40 The Challenges of Post-Divorce Dating 10:07 Creating a Supportive Community 12:31 Journaling and Self-Exploration 15:26 Embracing Change and New Beginnings Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Website: www.staceyrose.com Instagram: @theroserelationship Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Post-divorce dating can stir up a lot: grief, confusion, hope, hesitation… and it usually starts long before you sit across from someone at dinner.   In this episode, I talk through the real challenges that come with dating after a marriage ends. Not just the ones like scheduling around kids or figuring out which dating app actually feels right, but the deeper stuff too. What do you do with the pain that lingers, even when you know leaving was the right choice? How do you open yourself up to someone new when trust still feels shaky? And maybe most important, do you really know who you are now, outside of who you used to be?   I also share thoughts on timing, especially when it comes to your children and your family. When is it too soon to introduce someone new? What kind of support do you need before you're ready to let someone in? Society has a lot to say about what women should be doing after divorce, but those voices usually miss the point.   This episode is about tuning into yourself, getting clear on what feels good, and building something that actually fits the life you're creating. You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re just in a new chapter that deserves thought and care. Let's talk about how to move through it honestly, patiently, and on your terms.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Navigating the Pain of Divorce 07:51 Understanding Trust and Vulnerability in Dating 13:10 Rediscovering Identity Post-Divorce 19:05 Family Dynamics and Dating Challenges 22:48 Societal Pressures and Personal Choices Connect with Dr. Stacey Rose:  Website: www.staceyrose.com Instagram: @theroserelationship Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Divorced Women Dating with Dr. Stacey Rose is the go-to podcast for women reclaiming love, confidence, and joy after divorce. As a seasoned psychotherapist, Dr. Stacey brings her expertise—and a touch of humor—to the messy, magical world of post-divorce dating. Whether you’re newly single, dipping a toe back into the dating pool, or navigating situationships and second chances, this podcast offers real talk, emotional insight, and practical tools to help you date with clarity and courage. With expert interviews, raw stories, and a community that gets it—because your next chapter starts with you!