Are You Protecting Your Heart… or Blocking Love?
A few weeks ago, I went on a date that didn’t end the way I’d hoped.
In fact, it hurt.
And yet, I’m deeply grateful—because that experience taught me something powerful about myself, and about the role fear of rejection plays in modern dating.
Believe it or not, I met him on LinkedIn. We had several great phone conversations over three weeks before finally meeting in person during a trip to Las Vegas. I was excited and hopeful.
But on the date, I didn’t show up as my usual bubbly, open self.
Without realizing it, I had put up a wall—a subconscious pattern meant to protect my heart from getting hurt.
Ironically, it did the opposite.
The next morning, I received a text from him.
He said he only wanted to be friends. 💔
The Awareness That Changed Everything
It sucked in the moment. There’s no sugarcoating that. But I now realize that the emotional “wall” I put up wasn’t about him. It was about me trying to stay safe—guarding myself from possible disappointment, rejection, or heartbreak.
The truth is, I was afraid.
But here's the beautiful part: once we gain awareness of our patterns, we have the power to change them.
And that’s what this blog is about—not just dating tips or first-date questions, but real-life dating over 40 advice that helps us go deeper and show up more authentically.
How Fear of Rejection Might Be Showing Up in Your Dating Life
You don’t have to go on a trip to Vegas to uncover your own unconscious patterns. 😉
If you’re single, I invite you to reflect: How might fear of rejection be holding you back from love?
Here are a few ways it might be showing up:
💔 You date with a checklist.
It seems like you’re looking for “the right person,” but in reality, the checklist might be a way to keep people at arm’s length.
💔 You keep up an energetic wall.
You might be friendly and engaging, but deep down you’re scared to let someone truly see you—and even more afraid to be seen and rejected.
💔 You run when things get uncomfortable.
Vulnerability can feel terrifying. It may seem easier to walk away than risk pain, even if there’s real potential.
💔 You’ve given up on dating entirely.
You’ve convinced yourself that being single is easier—and safer—than trying again and opening your heart to someone new.
It Takes Courage to Let Love In
The hardest part of love isn’t finding the right person.
It’s choosing to see our own patterns—and risk changing them.
But what’s on the other side of that risk? More love, joy, connection, and magic than we could ever imagine.
I’m willing to take that risk.
To stay open.
To step into the unknown.
Are you with me?
Together, we rise.
❤️ Megan
