Topic 11: Dating Deconstructed
About this episode
This episode explores the evolution of dating for teens and preteens in the digital age, offering insights and advice for both parents and kids.
Remember writing "hello" to a crush on a school desk? Dating looks nothing like that anymore—and this episode breaks down exactly how it has changed for a generation growing up with a phone in their hand. Retired Air Force Colonel Merryl Tengesdal and psychotherapist Shea Phinney, MFT, sit down to decode modern teen and preteen dating: the endless texting, the mysterious "situationship," the sting of getting ghosted, and the communication etiquette nobody taught our kids yet. What you will learn in this episode: The difference between the "talking stage," a situationship, and a real relationship. The "30-Second Block" — why teens are so quick to cut communication and how to handle it. How to handle being ghosted without taking it personally or internalizing the rejection. Practical parent tips for monitoring phone use, utilizing carrier controls, and understanding teen acronyms. Why self-worth and clear values matter more than any single text thread. How teens (and adults) can give themselves grace while "learning how to human." Whether you are a parent watching your kid navigate their first crush or a teen trying to figure out why the conversation suddenly went to crickets, this…
More episodes of Breaking Formation
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Breaking Formation podcast page.