The Pat Kenny Show How a dealbreaker can be a mood killer on a date!
Dec 1, 2025
In this lively discussion, Stephanie Regan, a clinical psychotherapist and co-host of The Tough Love podcast, shares her insights on modern dating dilemmas. She highlights how checking your phone can kill a date's vibe by signaling disinterest. Timeliness is another crucial topic; lateness can easily be perceived as disregard. They also delve into dating etiquette, discussing who should pay and how alcohol choices can create uneven dynamics. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of kindness and open communication for forming genuine connections.
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Be Clear About Who Pays
- Handle money on a first date transparently and avoid turning payment into a power play.
- Stephanie Regan suggests splitting or being clear if you have no interest so nobody feels owed.
Be Present — Put The Phone Away
- If you're on a first date, be present and attentive rather than checking your phone repeatedly.
- Stephanie Regan says phone-checking signals disinterest and kills the mood quickly.
Match Alcohol Pace With Your Date
- Match alcohol pace with your date and avoid one person drinking far more than the other.
- Stephanie Regan warns excessive or mismatched drinking drowns out chemistry and unbalances the bill.