- The real challenges of dating in midlife (and how to navigate them).
- Why setting boundaries and maintaining self-respect is non-negotiable.
- The power of personal accountability and self-improvement in relationships.
- How to communicate with confidence and build genuine connections.
Women are putting a price tag on themselves. Regardless of how high that price tag is, it's still a price tag when we should always present ourselves in a priceless manner. - Coach Jen
Connect with Nathalia
Get my favorite pre-workout HERE
Thanks for joining us on the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple and Spotify to help us reach even more women ready to simplify their fitness journey so they can lose weight, regain their confidence, and feel sexy AF!
More about the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast
Ever wish you had a fit and straightforward BFF with over 15 years of experience to help you filter through all the information regarding fitness, nutrition, and life?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you listen to the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
Join Former Bikini Olympia Champion, mom of 2, and fitness coach Nathalia Melo each week as she shares fitness, nutrition, and life tips to help busy working moms simplify their fitness journey so they can learn easy and simple strategies on how to lose weight and feel sexy AF.
After helping over 5000 busy working moms, Nathalia has found the blueprint to fitness, nutrition, and life success, which she will be sharing in this podcast: actionable tips that will help busy working moms be more present at work and at home.
This show is for you if you realize that nothing good comes from your comfort zone and are ready to challenge yourself to achieve great things. Follow Unfiltered Fit Life wherever you are listening to join us each week for a splash of sass, humor, and a whole lotta truth.
This episode is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.
The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
Nathalia [00:00:01]:
Hello, hello there, fam! Welcome to another episode of The Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast. I'm Nathalia Melo, your host.
Today, I have Coach Jen back on the show! I think we need to create a fun, sassy name for these episodes since she’s joining us regularly. So if anyone has an idea, send me a message! What should we call these segments?
Jen’s Thoughts on Today’s Topic
Jennifer Lawson [00:00:31]:
I feel like this episode deserves a special title once we’re done with it!
Why We’re Talking About Dating in Midlife
Nathalia [00:00:35]:
Jen and I have been discussing this topic for a while. I’ve been married for almost ten years, but Jen has been divorced for six years. We frequently talk about her experiences in the dating world, and let me tell you—I am flabbergasted by the nonsense she deals with.
Since we also have many members in the Powerhouse Academy who are midlife and navigating dating again, I thought it would be important to have this conversation. Many people assume that divorce is the ultimate solution and that life will instantly be better on the other side. While in some cases, divorce is necessary, it’s not always the magic fix people expect.
Jen, as someone who’s been on both sides—married and now single—what were your biggest surprises when reentering the dating scene?
The Reality of Dating After Divorce
The Biggest Shock: Lack of Respect and Communication
Jennifer Lawson [00:02:12]:
Oh goodness, where do I start? Just to give a little background—I was married for ten years, and I’ve now been divorced for six years. Dating again has been an experience, to say the least.
The biggest shock? A complete lack of respect on both sides.
✔️ Women presenting themselves with little self-respect and not understanding why.
✔️ Men not respecting women at all.
And communication? Painful. People no longer know how to have basic conversations.
The Struggles of Dating Apps
Jennifer Lawson [00:02:54]:
These days, most people meet through dating apps rather than organically. Some people still meet in person, but I’m not at the bar scene at 10 or 11 PM anymore—sorry, I’ve been asleep for hours at that point!
Nathalia [00:03:20]:
Right?! By that time, it's basically wake-up time for the next day.
Jennifer Lawson [00:03:22]:
Exactly! So you’re on these apps, and the way men approach you is ridiculous. The most common opening line? "Hi." That’s it. No effort. Or sometimes, they’ll say, "Crazy weather today, huh?"
Nathalia [00:03:57]:
The fuck?!
Jennifer Lawson [00:03:59]:
Right?! Like, that’s the best you can do?
Nathalia [00:04:00]:
That’s so unoriginal. I mean, at least "What are your weekend plans?" is slightly better, but still.
Jennifer Lawson [00:04:21]:
Even when I respond, the conversation goes nowhere. They give one-word answers and make no effort to actually get to know me. That’s why my dating profile is clear—I give men one week to engage in real conversation and set up a date. If they don’t? Unmatched.
The Lack of Respect in Modern Dating
Being Propositioned Like an Object
Nathalia [00:05:19]:
When you say "lack of respect," what do you mean exactly?
Jennifer Lawson [00:05:37]:
Oh, let’s start with the fact that I’ve literally been propositioned—as in, men offering material things in exchange for my time.
✔️ I’ve had men say, "I’d love to spoil you, as long as you wear heels."
✔️ I’ve been invited to be the third person in a married couple’s arrangement.
✔️ I’ve had men imply that they could "take care of me" financially.
The Rise of Transactional Relationships
Nathalia [00:09:20]:
This reminds me of something I saw on social media. There’s a woman I follow named Nadia (don’t agree with everything she says), but she once pointed out that many relationships today are explicitly transactional.
🚹 The man offers money.
🚺 The woman offers beauty.
And the moment he loses his money, he’s no longer valuable. The moment she ages, she’s no longer valuable to him. It’s a mutual transaction, not a relationship built on real connection.
Jennifer Lawson [00:12:49]:
Exactly! Women are literally putting a price tag on themselves, whether they realize it or not. And when you allow yourself to be "bought," that’s all the man sees you as—an object with an expiration date.
How Women Can Take Back Their Power
Defining Your Own Worth
Nathalia [00:14:30]:
Women need to stop accepting crumbs and start seeing things for what they really are. If a guy only values you for what you look like, guess what? He’s going to replace you the second that fades.
Jennifer Lawson [00:15:17]:
Yes! Too many women are so desperate for attention that they accept any attention—whether it’s good or bad.
Elevate Yourself First
Nathalia [00:58:04]:
I had a conversation with a new member in Powerhouse Academy recently. She told me, "I know that when I elevate myself, I’ll start attracting people who match that energy."
👏 YES! That’s where many women miss the mark. If you want to attract a high-value partner, you need to become a high-value person first.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from Dating & Divorce
Key Takeaways from Jen’s Journey
Nathalia [01:05:33]:
Jen, if you could go back and give your newly single self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Jennifer Lawson [01:05:54]:
✔️ You can’t fix people.
✔️ Don’t ignore red flags.
✔️ Stop making excuses for men who aren’t putting in effort.
Would You Get Married Again?
Nathalia [01:02:45]:
Would you get married again?
Jennifer Lawson [01:02:53]:
Absolutely. 100%.
I’ve learned so much from my past that I now understand what real commitment looks like. The first time around, I didn’t. Now, I get it.
Respect Yourself & Set Standards
Ladies, your worth isn’t based on whether a man chooses you. Take care of yourself. Set boundaries. Stop tolerating less than what you deserve.
Join the Conversation!
💬 Have you experienced these dating struggles?
📩 DM me on Instagram and let me know what resonated with you.
Thanks for listening, and Jen—thank you for sharing your insights! Can't wait for our next episode. 🎙️
