Dating in today’s world can feel like a rollercoaster.

One minute, you're excited about a message from someone who “gets” you—and the next, you're feeling ghosted, anxious, or just plain exhausted after a simple coffee date.

If you've ever wondered, "Why do I feel so overwhelmed even when nothing went wrong?" or "Why did my body react so strongly when they didn’t text back?"—you’re not alone.

What you’re feeling may not just be about them…

It might be your vagus nerve talking.

Many of us grew up without ever truly learning how to handle conflict in a healthy way. Our earliest experiences—what we observed in our parents or caregivers—planted the seeds for how we react when disagreements arise. We learned when our needs were met, when they were dismissed, and how much emotional space was given to us. These early lessons shape how we navigate conflict in adult relationships, often without us even realizing it.