In this episode of Over 50 & Flourishing, I’m joined by dating and relationship coach Laurie Gerber, host of the Love at Any Age podcast and a longtime friend of the show, for a timely conversation about love, connection, and reclaiming Valentine’s Day at any stage of life.

Together, we unpack why Valentine’s Day can bring so much pressure and disappointment, how unspoken expectations quietly erode intimacy, and what it really takes to feel seen, heard, and cherished in relationships.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why Valentine’s Day triggers pressure, comparison, and resentment, and how to reclaim it
How unspoken expectations sabotage intimacy in long-term relationships
The power of listening (and why feeling heard changes everything)
Why love doesn’t “just happen” and how to design it intentionally
How to communicate desires without guilt, testing, or mind-reading
Practical ways to create connection (whether you’re single or partnered)
The types of dates that can reignite passion, play, and closeness at any age
Why midlife is a powerful time to redefine romance on your own terms

For more on Laurie Gerber, follow her on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauriegerberdatingcoach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriegerber_coach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriegerber
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lauriegerbercoach
Listen to her podcast, Love At Any Age: https://lauriegerbercoach.podbean.com/
Sign up for her FREE webinar ‘3 Secrets to Finding and Maintaining Healthy Love without Repeated Disappointments: https://www.lauriegerber.com/webinar

Thanks to my Sponsors:

Wildgrain: Visit Wildgrain.com/FLOURISHING or use promo code FLOURISHING at checkout for $30 off your first box and free croissants for life
Honeylove: Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/OVER50 #honeylovepod
Hers: If you want clearer insight into your health, go to ForHers.com and schedule your labs.
Ritual: Save 25% on your first month at Ritual.com/OVER50
Brodo: Head to Brodo.com/FLOURISHING for 20% off your first subscription order and use code FLOURISHING for an additional $10 off.
Caraway: Visit Carawayhome.com/OVER or use code OVER at checkout to take an additional 10% off your next purchase.
Fora: Become a Fora advisor today at Foratravel.com/FLOURISHING

Keep in Touch:

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Interested in being featured as a guest? Please email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠courtney@dominiquesachse.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Why Unspoken Expectations Kill Intimacy