In this week’s episode, I tackle your questions regarding image, sex, and dating! From exploring things outside of your comfort zone to the importance of sexual compatibility in relationships,  this episode covers a variety of topics that you won’t want to miss. Remember to embrace your authenticity, take care of your mental health, and put your best foot forward in dating!

Please reach out and tell us your thoughts about the Q&A over on Instagram @celestemooreimage and don’t forget to rate and review if you love the podcast!

In this week’s episode we discuss:

[02:35] Question 1: (Gavin) – What role does fashion play in personal branding?

[05:13] Question 2: (Jerome) – How do you navigate consent in a casual relationship?

[06:40] Question 3: (Levi) – What is one thing that everyone should try at least once in their dating life? 

[08:09] Question 4: (Chris) – How has the conversation around mental health changed in recent years? 

[10:26] Question 5: (Daren) – What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned from past relationships?

[12:39] Question 6: (Casey) – How do you maintain individuality while in a long-term relationship?

[14:56] Question 7: (Philip) – What is the key to a successful first date?

[18:04] Question 8: (Doug) – How important is sexual compatibility in relationships?

Question 1: (Gavin) – What role does fashion play in personal branding?

Fashion is a powerful tool that you can use to express your authentic individuality. Fashion can help you communicate your values, your personality, and your style. What you wear sends a message to the public. We all go through multiple personas throughout our lives and at times, this can mean you change your style. 

I want to remind you that just because you had a style that worked for you when you were younger, does not mean that it works for you now. I recommend looking at pictures and your wardrobe and asking yourself “How am I showing up and can I show up differently?” Our appearance is what people notice first about us so make sure that you put the time and effort into it!

Question 2: (Jerome) – How do you navigate consent in a casual relationship?

When you are in a casual relationship, the most important thing is to communicate what the boundaries look like. You do not want one person to think you are monogamous and the other one thinks that it is okay to have a sexual relationship with multiple other people. Everyone has their boundaries and comfort level so you need to be crystal clear on those so no one’s feelings get hurt.

Question 3: (Levi) – What is one thing that everyone should try at least once in their dating life? 

I think that everyone should at least get uncomfortable and do something crazy. Getting out of your dating comfort zone is important. This allows you to meet new people or discover a new interest. Instead of just going out for a coffee date, you can go on an adventure date where you take a pottery class, bowling, or something else you would not normally do. This is a way to explore the other person, see if you have chemistry, and can hold a conversation. This can help you get out of a dating rut!

Question 4: (Chris) – How has the conversation around mental health changed in recent years? 

I feel as if there has been a big shift towards destigmatizing mental health. Since Covid, so many people have experienced mental health struggles and even children are more anxious and depressed. I want everyone to know that our mental health is so important and needs to be addressed daily. We all need help, there is no reason why you should feel inferior if you need to see a doctor. Take care of yourself by getting the support you need!

Question 5: (Daren) – What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned from past relationships?

I think that sometimes loving someone means letting them go. One of the hardest lessons that I had to go through in my personal life was wrapping my head around the man that I had a child with not owning his responsibilities as a father. This used to drive me crazy and it was very hurtful to me as a mother. It was heartbreaking for years and while I still don’t understand it, I don’t spend the energy asking myself “why” anymore. 

At the end of the day, it is his loss and I get to reap the beautifulness that comes from being a parent. The moment I let go of all of the hurt and wondered why, I had more energy to focus on being a better parent and businesswoman. The more you listen to your gut and follow your heart, the more you will move in the right direction!

Question 6: (Casey) – How do you maintain individuality while in a long-term relationship?

If you are in a relationship that does not allow individuality, you should not be in that relationship. That is a person that is trying to control you because they have insecurities. In a relationship, you still need to pursue your hobbies and interests because this defines who you are. There are ways to grow as a couple and ways to grow as individuals. I was once in a relationship where I did everything for him and lost my voice. When we broke up I was very lost and it took me a lot more time to find out who I was. When you are in a relationship, you are bringing your emotional self, spiritual self, and physical self to it. There are so many areas of growth that we have and the stronger we are as an individual, the stronger we will be in a relationship. 

Question 7: (Philip) – What is the key to a successful first date?

I would say that you need to be your authentic true and best self. Do not try to be someone you are not because if you do that, you will not meet your person. The more true you are to yourself and your values, beliefs, goals, and interests – the sooner you will call in your person. I would say that authenticity also makes more meaningful connections. 

Question 8: (Doug) – How important is sexual compatibility in relationships?

Sexual compatibility plays a significant role in the foundation of a relationship. I think that sometimes two people can come together to find the things that they are both interested in. But if someone is into kink and one is very vanilla, it is going to be difficult to have a functional relationship where everyone is sexually satisfied. So before you have sex, it is important to have these conversations. Because if you find out down the line that you are not sexually compatible, then having that conversation is going to hurt someone’s feelings.