MAN SHOPPING WITH STACIE

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Man Shopping with Stacie

Stacie Wimer

I share my relatable, raw, dating and life experiences to help singles find more joy. I'm Stacie Wimer, an optimistic 44 year old twice divorced mom of one amazing teenage daughter. You'll get practical tips and strategies you can implement everyday to experience more joy.

  1. 12/02/2022

    Ep60 ~ Cuffing Season

    'Tis the Damn Season... You can call me babe for the weekend." ~ Taylor Swift Cuffing season as defined by Merriam Webster: "Refers to a period of time where single people begin looking for short term partnerships to pass the colder months of the year.' Cuffing season begins in October and lasts until just after Valentine's Day. Paraphrasing a  recent article from Today.com says that cuffing season is a seasonal phenomenon of single people ramping up their efforts to enter into relationships during the fall and winter months. Cuffing season falls into the category of situationship. For some people it's a serious relationship. For others it is merely someone to come over when you want company on cold winter nights. Loneliness is the ultimate driver of cuffing season.  The Cleveland Clinic explains that, " When the temperature drops and it gets cold earlier there is often a change of mood connected to the chemicals of serotonin and melatonin in your body. Cold nights can trigger intense feelings of loneliness and a drop in serotonin and there may even be a link between cuffing season and seasonal affective disorder. During cuffing season, you may inadvertently lock yourself in a relationship you don't really want to be in. If you're feeling sad, lonely, or desperate, it may not be the best way to start a relationship. Hallmark movies, holiday commercials, etc remind us that being with someone makes us feel cozy. There is a natural boost in serotonin when we're feeling romantic. I share my own experience of being in a "quasi" relationship during 1 of 4 cuffing seasons I've been through since being separated and divorced. I rebounded during my separation with a close friend. We dated through the fall and broke up on New Years Day. We went out on dates during the holidays, we exchanged gifts, and we were cozy. BUT shit got weird too... I was invited and then uninvited to an office Christmas party. The extra time I had during my holiday vacation time also exposed some underlying issues in our relationship. My boyfriend lied to me and declined an opportunity to spend time with me as well as an overnight invitation. He had family obligations that he wasn't truthful about. Because I didn't want to spend NYE alone, I stuck it out but broke up the next day. I don't regret this one cuffing season I participated in. I think we're way more prone to "submarining" during cuffing season. Be cautious reaching out and being receptive to attention from people you were once romantic with. Maybe it's a great time to reconnect, maybe not. Cuffing doesn't have to be for the whole season. Maybe it can be fun to go as a plus one to a holiday wedding or NYE party. You don't have to lock down.  Personally, I don't miss getting pulled in many directions to attend a bunch of celebrations and buying gifts for so many people. I enjoy the simplicity of my holidays now when I share my energy and time with my close loved ones. I enjoy being a hermit when it's cold outside. I can cuddle with my puppy. For now, that's good enough for me.  Support the show

    34 min
  2. 10/21/2022

    Ep 57 Love Me, Love My Dog

    Our pets impact our dating lives in countless ways.  To begin, I share a tragic story of how I adopted a black lab puppy on a whim from a not-so reputable animal shelter in Kansas City years ago. My dad, logically and lovingly asked if I had thought this decision through. I was a young single mom of a 5 year old. Was it really a good idea to add a rambunctious large dog into the mix. He warned me that some men would not want to take all of that on.  I answered with... "So be it. Love me, love my dog." He, of course, made a good point thought. Animals do complicate our lives. (In some of the best ways.) Next, I talk about how some of us end up sharing dogs with our exes. In my case, I asked Lanie's dad for permission to keep his Australian Shepherd, Maggie, around for protection. I also have a friend whose ex bought a dog to appease the kids only to expect her to be the primary caregiver of the dog. (He's not a dog person.) Sharing family pets is a common occurrence. A lot of the time, I think it can be a good thing. What kind of impression do pets make on our dating profiles? Being a "dog person" or a "cat person" can be divisive. Admittedly, I'm more drawn to men who love dogs. One complication of pet ownership while single may be meeting potential partners who are allergic or have an aversion to the type of animals we share our home with. Cat allergies are incredibly common, for example. Or, consider how many people feel about pet snakes... I share a story about my brother's cat allergies and another story about hanging out with a snake loving golfer at Mizzou. How do you feel about sharing a couch or a bed with someone's beloved cat or dog? Both animals can become territorial both of their space and their people. Also, you may find yourself covered in pet hair. How much are you willing to put up with? I tell a story about my puppy, Rip's  overnight in the home of a guy I dated. I only covered a small number of ways our beloved pets can impact our dating lives. I'm not one bit apologetic for loving my baby boy puppy, Rip. I just need to find a man who will love him too. Support the show

    25 min
  3. 10/07/2022

    EP56 - Green Flags

    This episode is about all things happy and healthy that we should be looking for out in the dating world. The format for this episode is progressive... Green flags to spot when someone is into us when we first meet, when we're planning a first date, and while dating or in a relationship. I share personal stories along the way, per usual. Some Green Flags when we first meet someone Displaying genuine interest in youNatural, fun banterPositive gut feelings/excitement to hear from themResponsiveness/Consistency in communicationDirect communication regarding feelings/excitement to meetSome Green Flags when planning a 1st date Decisiveness/A man with a planThe date is planned efficiently and joyfullyExtra points if the date is planned based on the individual preferences and interests of your date.Some Green Flags on a 1st date Compliments on appearanceEase of conversationLingering for dessert or another roundEnding the date with a hug, kiss, maybe more?!Politeness- thanking your date for the coffee, dinner, their time, etc. Send a message within minutes/hours if you are confident want to go out againSome Dating Green Flags They remain interested and communicate consistentlyThey are sweet, kind, and considerateThey are honest, open, and transparentIt should feel exciting and fun or at least positive and goodSome Relationship Green Flags Respecting healthy boundaries - our time, our bodies, etcPhysical/Sexual Compatibility  Having long-standing healthy relationships/friendshipsBeing in a good place in life/they're happy before we meetThey take care of themselves (physically and emotionally)VulnerabilityThey have hobbiesEmpathySupport the show

    44 min
  4. 09/23/2022

    Ep55~ Red Flags

    This episode is all about red flags - how to spot them and how to respond to them. I share my own stories of red flags from my past as well as from my current dating life. To begin, I talk about little pink flags- early flags that have popped up when I've just been texting or getting to know someone before a first date. A guy that I got to know early in 2020 is a great example. Some of the flags that bothered me: Texting too frequentlySharing every detail of daily lifeTalking too much about their work( instead of getting to know one another)Talking negatively about their jobThen, I share some examples of red flags from my more recent dating life: Being unkind/rude to hostess, waitress, bar tender, valet, etc.Looking at a dating app while on a date.Being distracted by their phone while on the date (without explanation).They're currently  in a toxic situation with an ex and they share detailsSigns of substance abuse and addiction Use of drugs/alcohol that doesn't align with your lifestyleLying Love bombing - Identifying when it's genuine & authentic V a red flagConsuming all of your timeIsolating you from friends/familyJealousy - of any relationship we have, including our childrenFeelings of being controlled or unfairly accusedMoving uncomfortably fast Being critical of you (especially your appearance or things you can't change) I think time is crucial in deciphering flags from isolated, insignificant behaviors. Paying attention to actions (not only words) over the course of weeks and months will help us decide if we're seeing red flags that necessitate a break up. Pay attention to what is right in front of your face and recognize that is who you are choosing- not their potential. Support the show

    45 min
4.9
out of 5
143 Ratings

About

I share my relatable, raw, dating and life experiences to help singles find more joy. I'm Stacie Wimer, an optimistic 44 year old twice divorced mom of one amazing teenage daughter. You'll get practical tips and strategies you can implement everyday to experience more joy.