Call Her Daddy - How To Survive Wedding Season
Hosted by Alex Cooper
Release Date: July 27, 2025
Introduction to Wedding Season Stress
In this episode, Alex Cooper addresses the pervasive anxiety surrounding the mid-summer wedding season. Recognizing that many listeners are grappling with the pressures of attending weddings—whether navigating plus-one dilemmas or attending solo—Cooper sets the stage for a candid discussion aimed primarily at her single listeners.
Challenges of Attending Weddings Solo
Feeling Intimidated Solo
Cooper empathizes with listeners who feel apprehensive about attending weddings alone. She touches upon common fears such as awkwardness, solitary dancing, and the anxiety of navigating social interactions without a partner.
“Going to a wedding alone when you're single can feel extremely intimidating. Like you start going through, are you gonna feel awkward? Who are you gonna be stuck sitting next to?”
— Alex Cooper [05:15]
The Temptation of Bringing a Casual Date
She cautions against the impulse to bring casual hookups or secondary relationships as plus-ones, emphasizing that weddings are emotionally charged events where such decisions can lead to misplaced expectations.
“Bringing a guy to a wedding as your date is not fucking casual. It is not casual.”
— Alex Cooper [08:30]
Strategies to Enjoy Weddings Alone
1. Building Wedding Night Friendships
Cooper advises listeners to proactively form connections with other attendees. By text messaging friends attending the wedding or reaching out to fellow single guests, one can create a support system for the event.
“You need to strategize wedding night friendships. You need to essentially secure a few allies.”
— Alex Cooper [12:45]
2. Avoiding Isolation and Phone Distraction
She underscores the importance of minimizing phone usage to remain present and approachable. Chronic phone use can lead to missed social opportunities and increase feelings of isolation.
“When you're hunched over, scrolling, you look so unapproachable. Also, you look 10 times more unattractive because we don't know what you look like over on your phones.”
— Alex Cooper [18:20]
3. Managing Alcohol Consumption
Cooper emphasizes moderation in drinking to maintain composure and ensure meaningful interactions. She warns against using alcohol as a crutch to alleviate social anxiety, highlighting the negative repercussions of excessive drinking.
“Try not to use alcohol as a crutch. It's going to be really hard for someone to strike up a conversation with you if you are blackout drunk before the gorgeous, lovely couple has even cut the cake.”
— Alex Cooper [22:10]
4. Embracing Romantic Opportunities
Encouraging a proactive approach, Cooper suggests that single attendees should embrace the romantic possibilities that weddings present, leveraging the festive atmosphere to meet new people.
“Embrace the romantic chaos and lean in if there is a cute single man there. You're gonna fucking go for it because who cares?”
— Alex Cooper [27:50]
Handling Situationships at Weddings
Cooper warns against bringing someone from a casual or undefined relationship to a wedding. She points out that weddings can intensify emotions, leading to complications that might not be sustainable outside the event's context.
“Instead of bringing a default situationship or a guy you met randomly, it's better to go solo and enjoy the experience without complicating things.”
— Alex Cooper [31:40]
Listener Questions and Advice
1. Navigating Relationship Breaks and Hookups
A listener seeks advice on whether to disclose a hookup during a relationship break. Cooper advises introspection on the relationship's future and emphasizes honesty with the partner.
“I personally think you should, without a doubt, 100% tell him. The reason that you are able to so freely go and hook up with someone else is because of him.”
— Alex Cooper [45:30]
2. Dealing with a Friend's Boundaries After They Start Dating
Another listener faces discomfort as a best friend imposes strict boundaries with her new boyfriend. Cooper encourages open communication and setting personal boundaries to preserve the long-standing friendship.
“Ask to have a conversation with her about what this new trio dynamic looks like, and you can make it clear you are happy to be the third wheel in moments.”
— Alex Cooper [58:10]
3. Balancing Health Goals with Social Life While Single
A listener struggles to maintain health goals amidst a single lifestyle that revolves around bar outings leading to unhealthy habits. Cooper suggests finding a balance by integrating healthier social activities and moderating alcohol consumption.
“Maybe don't be so restrictive on yourself during the weekdays, because then that may make you almost feel like you're using the weekends as a complete escape.”
— Alex Cooper [1:12:55]
4. Addressing Bathroom Privacy Issues in a Relationship
A listener is uncomfortable with the lack of bathroom privacy in her boyfriend's home. Cooper advises either addressing the issue humorously or reconsidering the relationship if the discomfort persists.
“Sometimes we are in our heads too much. You just have to remember men are disgusting. So this is like the least of your worries.”
— Alex Cooper [1:22:30]
5. Feeling Hurt by Friends’ Lack of Response to a Dog’s Death
A listener feels neglected as close friends fail to offer condolences for her dog’s passing, while acquaintances show support. Cooper explores possible reasons, urging proactive communication and offering empathy.
“Sometimes people aren't pet people. If your girl is reaching out, even if you roll your eyes, you have to set them up. If your friends don't answer, maybe you have the worst friends in the world.”
— Alex Cooper [1:34:45]
Conclusion: Embracing Solo Weddings with Confidence
Alex Cooper wraps up the episode by reinforcing the idea that attending weddings alone can be empowering and enjoyable. By applying the strategies discussed—building connections, staying present, moderating alcohol intake, and embracing new opportunities—listeners can transform what might seem like a daunting experience into a memorable and fulfilling one.
“Instead of dreading going to weddings this summer, daddy gang, we are going to lean in and we are going to enjoy ourselves by being our authentic selves and making meaningful connections.”
— Alex Cooper [1:40:00]
Cooper encourages listeners to share their own wedding stories, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences within the Daddy Gang.
“I cannot wait for you guys to write in, tell me all of your crazy wedding season hookup stories.”
— Alex Cooper [1:41:30]
Takeaways
- Preparation is Key: Strategize friendships before attending weddings to alleviate anxiety.
- Stay Present: Limit phone usage to engage genuinely with fellow guests.
- Moderate Alcohol: Maintain control to foster meaningful interactions and avoid negative repercussions.
- Embrace Opportunities: Be open to romantic and platonic connections without overcomplicating relationships.
- Communicate Openly: Address relationship and friendship issues with honesty and clarity.
By following Cooper’s advice, listeners can navigate wedding season with confidence, turning potential stressors into opportunities for growth and connection.