S5E13: WHEN DOING “THE RULES” FEELS LIKE IT'S BACKFIRING

About this episode

This episode explores the dynamics between independent women and men who lead with a softer energy, focusing on how to set boundaries without pushing partners away.

S5E13: WHEN DOING “THE RULES” FEELS LIKE IT'S BACKFIRING Coach Paula Grooms Download 27-year-old Marcel started-off on the right foot with 38-year-old Karina, courting her with flowers, chocolates, and daily attention. But that quickly gave way to last-minute plans and inconsistent effort. As Karina tried to assert herself and apply “the rules,” the connection began to unravel. In this episode of Make Him Wonder , I help Karina uncover the deeper dynamic at play between independent, assertive women and those who lead with a softer, more passive energy. If you’ve ever wondered why some women can set strong boundaries and still be deeply pursued—while your boundaries seem to push a man away—this conversation will help you get clear on how to be fully yourself and still get what you deserve, without totally giving in.

Topics covered

• relationships
• boundaries
• assertiveness
• dating dynamics

Keywords

• dating rules
• self-assertion
• relationship advice

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Make Him Wonder

More episodes of Make Him Wonder

• S5E22: HE'S SEPARATED AND KEEPS COMING BACK—IS THIS TIME DIFFERENT? · May 25, 2026
• S5E20: GHOSTED TWICE BY THE SAME MAN—BUT THIS TIME SHE'S READY · April 15, 2026
• S5E19: WHEN HIS ACTIONS FEEL LIKE PROOF - BUT AREN'T · April 1, 2026
• S5E18: WHEN HE WANTS YOU BACK, HE (EVENTUALLY) ACTS! · March 15, 2026
• S5E17: WAS I TOO MUCH — OR WAS HE NOT ENOUGH? · March 4, 2026
• S5E16: CONFUSING MAKING HIM WONDER WITH MAKING HIM WAIT · February 15, 2026