Choosing Better, Not Chasing Harder: Spotting Red Flags Before You Get Hooked

Part 1 of a two-part series

Dating with clarity over dating chemistry—learning to choose with awareness instead of chasing with anxiety.

We’ve all felt it—the instant spark, the intense chemistry, the pull that feels exciting… and somehow familiar. And yet, those same connections often leave us anxious, confused, or doing all the work.

In this session, we’ll explore why chemistry isn’t always a green light but a red flag and how attraction can sometimes be driven by old patterns rather than genuine compatibility. This isn’t about becoming guarded or cynical—it’s about learning how to see more clearly in the early stages of dating.

Together, we’ll unpack:

• Why red flags can feel exciting instead of concerning
• How intensity and unpredictability can masquerade as attraction
• Common dating patterns that keep us chasing instead of choosing
• How to slow down without shutting down

This is a reflective, interactive space with guided discussion, breakout rooms, and practical tools for spotting red flags—grounded in real-life dating experiences, not scripts or games.

This two-part series explores how attraction can pull us toward the wrong people—and how to recognize connection that’s healthy, secure, and worth choosing. Each session stands on its own, but together they offer a fuller picture of dating with clarity, not urgency.

Noticing red flags isn’t pessimistic—it’s how awkward dating patterns turn into more awesome, self-respecting choices.