How to Start Dating Again in 2026 (Even If You’ve Lost Hope)
Starting over can feel overwhelming and discouraging, especially when it comes to dating, navigating dating apps, and trying to make sense of modern dating after divorce or a long relationship.
Many women find themselves burnt out, questioning their instincts, and unsure how to find a healthy relationship when the old rules no longer seem to apply.
This is exactly why Tamsen turned to Bela Gandhi, dating coach, relationship expert, and founder of the Smart Dating Academy. Bela has helped thousands of women find meaningful, lasting relationships by replacing guesswork with a clear, data-driven formula for dating with intention.
In this episode, she lays out the framework she uses to help women find love that feels safe, secure, and emotionally available and explains why following a proven system matters more than chemistry, luck, or timing.
They discuss:
- Why dating apps feel so exhausting and how to use them more strategically
- The biggest mistakes people make on dating profiles and photos
- What chemistry really is and why butterflies can be misleading
- How to spot red flags early without becoming cynical
- What to look for (and not overthink) on first dates
- How to date with clarity, confidence, and realistic expectations
- The patterns and behaviors that consistently lead to lasting relationships
This conversation cuts through the noise, myths, and mixed messages around dating and replaces them with clarity, reassurance, and a roadmap you can actually follow.
If your goal in 2026 is to find lasting love, the kind that feels safe, secure, and grounded, this episode offers a smarter, more intentional way to date without burning out or losing yourself.
By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with renewed hope, practical tools, and the confidence that finding love doesn’t have to be random. When you follow the right formula, it becomes possible.
Ready for more support? Download the 2026 Dating Profile Cheat Sheet.
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guest appearing in this episode
Bela Gandhi
Tamsen is joined by Sue Moss, a leading NYC divorce attorney, to talk about what actually happens when control, manipulation, and power dynamics show up in a divorce and what women need to understand before things escalate.
Resources
medical disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show.
0:00 Intro
6:20 How Early Relationship Trauma Trains You to Ignore Red Flags
16:47 Why Butterflies Are Anxiety, Not Chemistry
20:40 Subtle Profile Red Flags That Signal Emotional Immaturity
23:08 “There’s Nobody Out There” and the Mindset That Blocks Love
31:02 How to Signal Interest Without Chasing or Performing
35:15 Dating Safety, Google Voice, and Why Video Dates Matter
37:10 Why Short First Dates Protect Emotional Clarity
38:39 The Dating Funnel and How One Option Creates Blind Spots
39:40 Oxytocin Bonding and Why Sleeping Too Soon Traps You
48:04 How to Date With Intention Without Losing Yourself
