It’s Me - Not You

Have you ever been on a date and realised halfway through that your brain was still stuck on something that happened earlier? In this podcast episode, we dive into those little moments that can sneak up and sabotage our connection—especially when we’re dyslexic. If you’ve ever left a date feeling unsettled, you’re not alone.

We explore a recent date night experience where distractions, self-consciousness, and mental clutter took centre stage. This conversation reminds us all to pay attention to how we show up, even if we’re juggling a million thoughts. The episode highlights why tuning in—to ourselves and our partners—matters more than we think.

Why It’s Easy to Drift Away

We dyslexics have vivid imaginations and racing thoughts. Even when we want to be present, our minds can spin with ideas or worries. On a date, the pressure to impress or not mess up can make us more anxious. That anxiety often pulls us right out of the moment without us noticing.

But presence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about noticing when the chatter in your head drifts too far from the conversation. Sometimes we believe we’re great listeners, but are we truly plugged in?

"Something that happened last night on date night that we as Dyslexics should all be really conscious of—we may sweat about it, but do we actually address it?"

How Communication Changes Everything

We all know communication is important, but when you’ve got dyslexia, words can feel tangled. That makes it tempting to stay silent. Yet your partner can’t read your mind. Let them know if you lose track of the conversation or feel overwhelmed. A simple, “I missed that, could you say it again?” works wonders.

Sharing your quirks and triggers also helps build trust. If you’ve just had a tough day mentally, let your partner know. They might surprise you with their support and understanding. Feeling accepted lifts a huge weight off your shoulders.

• Ask clarifying questions if you feel lost.
• Own your dyslexic mind, including its amazing creativity.
• Explain why certain words or phrases can throw you off.

Adjusting Self-Talk to Embrace the Moment

One key takeaway from this episode is to observe your internal voice. Many of us have a tendency to criticise ourselves when we think we’re failing. That self-criticism stops you being present. Instead of berating yourself for drifting away, gently bring your attention back.

Reassure your mind that you’re safe in that moment. You’re on a date, not facing a life-or-death challenge. Give yourself permission to have fun and be less perfect. When you reduce pressure, connection flows more naturally.

1. Pause and breathe when you notice anxiety.
2. Offer your partner a quick heads-up if you’re losing focus.
3. Use kind words instead of harsh self-talk.

Building a Mindful Dating Experience

Mindfulness isn’t just for yoga retreats. Applying it on date night can shift everything. You notice details—like the way your partner’s eyes light up when they talk about their passions. You pick up on subtle body language cues. You laugh more freely.

This episode challenges us to find simple strategies. Maybe it’s turning off your phone or picking a quieter restaurant. If your mind tends to wander, steer the conversation towards deeper topics that genuinely interest you. When you’re engaged, you focus better.

You don’t have to transform overnight. Small steps matter. Start with a quick mental check-in before the date. “How am I feeling right now?” By acknowledging anxious energy, you’re less likely to let it run the show.

• Choose a relaxed setting with fewer distractions.
• Make eye contact, even if it feels awkward at first.
• Pick conversation topics that spark genuine interest.

Key Takeaways

• Nobody’s perfect. Give yourself grace and patience.
• Clear communication can turn awkward moments into deeper connections.
• Self-awareness is your best friend. Notice when you drift.
• Mindful approaches can make date nights more enjoyable.
• Small changes lead to big relationship wins over time.

Ready to hear all the insights from this relationship chat? The podcast player is just above, waiting to share the full conversation. Give it a listen and discover fun ways to handle those dyslexic quirks on your next date. You might be surprised how small shifts create meaningful connections.

Go on, press play and join us for a deeper dive into last night’s story. We’re all in this together, so let’s learn and grow—one date night at a time.