Why did they make falling in love look so easy in those early 2000s rom-coms? Because we've been having the opposite experience. You know, some of us grew up believing we'd have love figured out by now, then life happens.

This week, we talk about the expectations we had for dating versus the reality we've experienced thus far. From changing standards and learning to set boundaries to navigating independence, careers, and vulnerability, we explore what it means to look for a relationship where you're not just wanted, but truly understood.

We also reflect on the lessons we've learned, the mistakes we're grateful for, and the advice we'd give our younger selves about love.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self about dating? We'd love to hear your perspective.

Every conversation has a beginning, and this is ours.

In our very first episode, we introduce ourselves, share how our friendship began, and talk about the experiences that inspired us to create The Soft Parts Podcast.

Hosted by Haitian-American and Vietnamese-American friends Nik and Nhi, our conversations are shaped by both our lived experiences and our professional backgrounds. As a licensed psychotherapist and a licensed physician assistant, we bring different perspectives to each conversation, one grounded in emotional exploration and the other in analytical thinking, while remaining equally curious about what it means to be human.

Whether you’re here to reflect, feel understood, or simply listen in, we’re grateful you’ve found us. We hope this is the first of many meaningful conversations we’ll share together.

Please note: While we draw from our professional backgrounds, this podcast is intended for educational and conversational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or mental health care.