Valentine’s Day has a way of resurrecting old connections. Before you reply to the “hey, you up?” text, learn how nostalgia, loneliness, and social media can pull you back into something you already know wasn’t good for you, and how to choose yourself instead.

Waiting to be “healed” before dating may be holding you back. Healing is ongoing, relational, and shaped by culture, trauma, and connection. Learn why love doesn’t require perfection.

Dating today can feel like a maze of mixed signals and emotional games. From negging and breadcrumbing to lovebombing and gaslighting, emotional manipulation can leave you questioning your worth and reality. In this post, therapist Odile McKenzie, LCSW, breaks down each behavior, shares real examples, and helps you learn how to spot these red flags early—so you can protect your peace and date from a place of self-worth.

Learn how to spot emotional manipulation in parents and partners, how trauma makes us vulnerable, and how to break free. Insightful, culturally relevant, and empowering.

Wanting to be chosen isn’t a weakness — it’s human. We’re wired for love and connection, but many of us, especially Black folks, have been taught to feel ashamed of that need. At Odile Psychotherapy, we help you unlearn emotional armor and build secure, loving relationships rooted in trust and healing. Love is not a luxury — it’s a path to collective and personal freedom. Ready to feel safe in love? Let’s begin.