The Dr. Laura Podcast

Episode: "Why 'Love Is Blind' Is Not Truly Love, It's Stupid"

Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger

Date: December 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Laura Schlessinger uses the hit Netflix series "Love Is Blind" as a jumping-off point to challenge the popular notion that love alone is a sufficient foundation for marriage. She deconstructs why blind infatuation, without detailed and sometimes difficult conversations about practical realities, leads to heartbreak, disappointment, and failed relationships. Dr. Laura passionately emphasizes the importance of premarital counseling and highlights three key areas every couple must thoroughly discuss before saying “I do,” illustrating her advice with characteristic wit and blunt honesty.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Problem with “Love is Blind” (Starts at 01:36)

• Dr. Laura dissects the premise of the show:
  • Couples proclaim love and make ultra-fast commitments without fully understanding each other.
  • Many walk away not due to lack of "horniness" or connection, but because they suddenly realize the gravity of the “deal” they’re entering.
• Memorable assertion:

  “That’s not love, that’s stupid.” — Dr. Laura (01:40)

• Her core message:
  • Impulsive commitments based only on romantic feelings, without knowing the full reality, are foolish and lead to messy situations.
• Recommendation:
  • She urges six to nine months of premarital counseling because, “you don’t know the deal you’re getting into.” (03:05)

2. Three Crucial Conversations Every Couple Must Have Before Marriage

A. Finances: Income, Debt, Philosophy, and Family Obligations (Starts at 03:35)

• Couples must openly disclose all income, debts, and their approaches to money management.
• People tend to hide debts or financial habits to avoid losing their partner’s affection—this is a critical mistake.
• Examples discussed:
  • Marrying an entrepreneur (variable and risky income)
  • Marrying a person in a low-advance field (like a lifelong teacher)
  • Supporting extended family financially after marriage
• Dr. Laura’s perspective:

  “It isn’t just about two romantic people coming together. ... You need to know what the deal is.” (05:23)

• Couples should decide together if a financial imbalance will impact decision-making.
• Repeated mantra:

  “Love is not enough. Not enough. Love is not enough. Love is not enough.” (06:49)

B. Lifestyle and Expectations of Each Other (Starts at 09:25)

• Many expect their partner (often men) to fulfill all their social and emotional needs: “best friend, spouse, lover, teammate in everything,” which she calls “overwhelming for anybody.”
• Clarifying expectations regarding time spent together vs. apart, engaging in hobbies, and respecting individuality is essential.
• The “deal” about social life needs to be defined: Will you be each other’s only companion, or will other friendships and solo activities be valued?
• Quote:

  “You really have to talk about what you’re expecting from each other in terms of time, attention, etc. and how that is going to be split with other activities and hobbies.” (10:11)

• For older couples, additional discussions should address willingness (or resistance) to provide caregiving in future years.

C. Health, Lifestyle Commitments, and Aging (Starts at 11:39)

• Will both partners commit to healthy living to maximize good years together? Or does one assume it’s okay to “eat, drink, and be merry” post-marriage, risking early decline?
• Dr. Laura highlights how lack of planning can leave spouses in unwanted caretaker roles—something especially relevant if health issues arise earlier in life than expected.
• Need for direct conversations about support for aging relatives (e.g., moving in parents, financial help).
• Key challenge posed to the audience:

  “All you married people right now, be honest. Did you talk ahead of all of these things before you got married, or did they just come and snap you in the face?” (13:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the folly of “blind” love:

  “Love is not enough. Not enough. Love is not enough. Love is not enough. And all this can erode a feeling of love.” — Dr. Laura (06:49)

• On partnership expectations:

  “Some people think, ah, I want us never to be apart, which means you can't do any guy things. I'm not going to do any gal things. ... You really have to talk about what you're expecting from each other.” (09:34)

• On health and responsibility:

  “Which means the other person is being set up to caretake you when you get ill and decline and die. Is this a commitment we're making to ourselves and each other?” (12:09)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:36 — Introduction of "Love is Blind" critique and the myth of magical love
• 03:05 — The case for lengthy premarital counseling
• 03:35 — Key #1: Financial honesty and compatibility
• 09:25 — Key #2: Lifestyle and realistic partnership expectations
• 11:39 — Key #3: Health, longevity, and caregiving
• 13:01 — Dr. Laura challenges listeners on their own marital preparation

Tone & Style

Dr. Laura maintains her trademark direct, no-nonsense tone throughout, using humor, rhetorical questions, and a bit of tough love. She weaves in anecdotes, practical advice, and calls on listeners to reflect honestly on their own experiences, encouraging real conversations over romantic illusion.

Takeaway

Love without transparency, honesty, and deep discussion about life’s practical realities is doomed to disappointment. True preparation—sometimes messy, often uncomfortable—is the path to a lasting, healthy partnership.

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