Is 'The One' Even Real? Unpacking Soulmate Myths and Dating with Intention

In this episode of Dating in Your 20s, Amelia and Lilly explore the myth of "The One" — the idea that there is just one person we're destined to be with. They break down where this belief comes from, how it shapes expectations in dating, and the emotional toll it can take on those trying to navigate modern relationships.
Rooted in therapeutic insight and real-life reflection, the conversation unpacks how the soulmate narrative can fuel anxiety, fear of failure, and emotional stuckness. Amelia and Lilly offer a healthier, more empowering reframe of love as a choice rooted in mutual growth, emotional safety, and self-trust.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why the pressure to find “The One” creates emotional avoidance and perfectionism
• How this belief can be tied to early attachment wounds and black-and-white thinking
• A new approach to dating that centers values, compatibility, and secure attachment
• Reflective questions to help listeners shift from certainty-seeking to curiosity and connection

Unsolicited Advice of the Week:

“It’s not about finding someone flawless — it’s about choosing someone real, again and again, and being chosen back.”

Listener Prompt:

When have you believed in “The One,” and how did that affect your dating or relationship experience? Amelia and Lilly invite listeners to share their stories, send a DM, or submit a question for a future episode.

Dating In Your 20s Anonymous Corner

We'd love to hear from you! Check out the anonymous DIY20s Form. It's a safe, judgment-free space to share what’s going on in your love life.

Connect with the hosts:

Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn
Amelia Abernathy: Millennium | Linkedin

This podcast is powered by Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. To learn more visit: millenniumhope.com