Summary: 

In Part 2 of this important conversation on the modern dating recession, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn continue unpacking new research from the Institute for Family Studies on why so many marriage-minded singles are struggling to date—and what can actually help. With 70% of surveyed singles saying they want meaningful relationships but aren’t dating, the challenge is real—but not hopeless. 

Shaunti and Jeff revisit the key barriers discussed in Part 1 and dive into additional reasons dating feels harder today, from fear and discouragement to unclear expectations and social disconnection. Most importantly, they offer practical, research-based encouragement for singles who desire marriage, as well as parents and loved ones who want to support them. 

If you or someone you care about feels stuck in today’s dating landscape, this episode offers fresh insight, empathy, and a hopeful path forward toward genuine connection. 

Resources: 

Report on “The Dating Recession”. https://ifstudies.org/report-brief/state-of-our-unions-2026-the-dating-recession  

IFS article about young men. See point 2 for “Most unmarried young men want to marry”  

https://ifstudies.org/blog/young-men-are-not-checked-out-their-hopes-are-being-frustrated  

For Women Only link. 

For Men Only link 

 

Summary:&nbsp;
In Part 2 of this important conversation on the modern dating recession, Shaunti and Jeff&nbsp;Feldhahn&nbsp;continue unpacking new research from the Institute for Family Studies on why so many marriage-minded singles are struggling to date&mdash;and what can&nbsp;actually help. With 70% of surveyed singles saying they want meaningful relationships but&nbsp;aren&rsquo;t&nbsp;dating, the challenge is real&mdash;but not hopeless.&nbsp;
Shaunti and Jeff revisit the key barriers discussed in Part 1 and dive into&nbsp;additional&nbsp;reasons dating feels harder today, from fear and discouragement to unclear expectations and social disconnection. Most importantly, they offer practical, research-based encouragement for singles who&nbsp;desire&nbsp;marriage, as well as parents and loved ones who want to support them.&nbsp;
If you or someone you care about feels stuck in today&rsquo;s dating landscape, this episode offers fresh insight, empathy, and a hopeful path forward toward genuine connection.&nbsp;
Resources: 
Report on &ldquo;The Dating Recession&rdquo;. <a href="https://ifstudies.org/report-brief/state-of-our-unions-2026-the-dating-recession">https://ifstudies.org/report-brief/state-of-our-unions-2026-the-dating-recession</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
IFS article about young men. See point 2 for &ldquo;Most unmarried young men want to marry&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://ifstudies.org/blog/young-men-are-not-checked-out-their-hopes-are-being-frustrated">https://ifstudies.org/blog/young-men-are-not-checked-out-their-hopes-are-being-frustrated</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Women-Only-Revised-Updated-About/dp/1601424442/?tag=shaunticom-20">For Women Only link</a>.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Men-Only-Revised-Updated-Straightforward/dp/1601424450/?tag=shaunticom-20">For Men Only link</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Relationship tripwires. Mental health puzzles. Confusing work dynamics. You’re not the only one scratching your head. But now you have a secret decoder ring! Each episode of I Wish You Could Hear This is packed with proven, simple, and surprising secrets that help you thrive in life, faith, and relationships. Researchers Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn have spent decades interviewing and surveying more than 40,000 people to identify the little things that make a big difference in our lives. They’re Harvard-educated, Christian authors and speakers who also happen to be happily married, analytically minded, and a whole lot of fun! Join them and their guests for real stories, real help, and real hope.

I Wish You Could Hear This

Relationship tripwires. Mental health puzzles. Confusing work dynamics. You&rsquo;re not the only one scratching your head. But now you have a secret decoder ring! Each episode of I Wish You Could Hear This is packed with proven, simple, and surprising secrets that help you thrive in life, faith, and relationships. Researchers Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn have spent decades interviewing and surveying more than 40,000 people to identify the little things that make a big difference in our lives. They&rsquo;re Harvard-educated, Christian authors and speakers who also happen to be happily married, analytically minded, and a whole lot of fun! Join them and their guests for real stories, real help, and real hope.

The Dating Recession, Part 2: Why Meaningful Relationships Feel So Hard to Find and What Helps – Episode 40

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/0e88295d-6b25-48f7-a561-b4330025ef9c/transcript