In this episode of If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes challenges women to rethink modern dating by throwing away rigid relationship checklists in favor of 5 non-negotiables that prioritize character, compatibility, and emotional safety. Amber opens by inviting listeners to question their dating "type" [00:00] before explaining why it's time to let go of limiting checklists [01:13] and how that mindset shift transformed her own love story [03:14]. She reveals why attraction often grows through emotional connection rather than first impressions [04:56], explores the idea that many people know more about what they don't want than what they truly need [08:44], and introduces a practical framework for building healthier relationships through five intentional relationship buckets [10:33]. Amber then breaks down the first four non-negotiables—safety [12:16], communication and emotional availability [14:18], shared values [17:06], and future lifestyle alignment [19:33].

The conversation concludes by encouraging listeners to identify one authentic deal-breaker instead of an endless list of preferences [22:34], expand their dating pool by casting a wider net [24:22], and approach dating with greater intention through meaningful conversations rather than surface-level attraction [27:00]. Amber also reminds listeners that healthy relationships are built on mutual choice—not chasing someone who doesn't choose you back [30:56]—before leaving the audience with a practical exercise to redefine their approach to love [31:43]. Combining actionable dating advice, self-reflection, and relationship wisdom, this episode offers a refreshing roadmap for anyone ready to build stronger, healthier, and more intentional connections. 

Ask or Share with Amber:withambergrimes@gmail.com

Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram:

@ambergrimes

Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack

Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET 

Follow Amber's Book Club 

Get Amber's Book Club Merch 

Read Amber's Favorite Books

In this episode of If You Knew Better, Amber Grimes challenges women to rethink modern dating by throwing away rigid relationship checklists in favor of 5 non-negotiables that prioritize character, compatibility, and emotional safety. Amber opens by inviting listeners to question their dating "type" [00:00] before explaining why it's time to let go of limiting checklists [01:13] and how that mindset shift transformed her own love story [03:14]. She reveals why attraction often grows through emotional connection rather than first impressions [04:56], explores the idea that many people know more about what they don't want than what they truly need [08:44], and introduces a practical framework for building healthier relationships through five intentional relationship buckets [10:33]. Amber then breaks down the first four non-negotiables&mdash;safety [12:16], communication and emotional availability [14:18], shared values [17:06], and future lifestyle alignment [19:33].
The conversation concludes by encouraging listeners to identify one authentic deal-breaker instead of an endless list of preferences [22:34], expand their dating pool by casting a wider net [24:22], and approach dating with greater intention through meaningful conversations rather than surface-level attraction [27:00]. Amber also reminds listeners that healthy relationships are built on mutual choice&mdash;not chasing someone who doesn't choose you back [30:56]&mdash;before leaving the audience with a practical exercise to redefine their approach to love [31:43]. Combining actionable dating advice, self-reflection, and relationship wisdom, this episode offers a refreshing roadmap for anyone ready to build stronger, healthier, and more intentional connections.&nbsp;
Ask or Share with Amber: <a href="mailto:withambergrimes@gmail.com" data-ogsc="">withambergrimes@gmail.com</a>
Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambergrimes">@ambergrimes</a>
<a href="https://substack.com/@withambergrimes">Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack</a>
<a href="https://youtube.com/@iykbetter?si=WMEDSWNJOsxlRkD0">Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambersbookclub/">Follow Amber's Book Club </a>
<a href="https://ambersbookclub.com/collections/hats">Get Amber's Book Club Merch&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://a.co/d/01GreLFP">Read Amber's Favorite Books</a>

You can’t rewrite the past — but you can learn from it. Amber Grimes did exactly that, going from college dropout to Executive Vice President in the entertainment industry with no map, just mistakes and lessons that turned into power moves.

 

If You Knew Better is where Amber shares that wisdom — alongside artists, creatives, and culture-shifters who open up about the missteps they made, the mindsets that changed everything, and the game they wish they knew sooner.

 

Together, they unpack the highs, the lows, and the pivots in life, career, and relationships — so you either don’t have to go through it, or can move smarter when you do.

 

Every episode delivers real talk, hard-won insight, and practical gems to help you grow into the version of yourself that knows better… and does better.

You can&rsquo;t rewrite the past &mdash; but you can learn from it. Amber Grimes did exactly that, going from college dropout to Executive Vice President in the entertainment industry with no map, just mistakes and lessons that turned into power moves.
&nbsp;
If You Knew Better is where Amber shares that wisdom &mdash; alongside artists, creatives, and culture-shifters who open up about the missteps they made, the mindsets that changed everything, and the game they wish they knew sooner.
&nbsp;
Together, they unpack the highs, the lows, and the pivots in life, career, and relationships &mdash; so you either don&rsquo;t have to go through it, or can move smarter when you do.
&nbsp;
Every episode delivers real talk, hard-won insight, and practical gems to help you grow into the version of yourself that knows better&hellip; and does better.

If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes

Amber Knows Your “List” Is Ruining Your Dating Life 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/94c99775-3388-40dd-b7a9-b4a3008d2ebb/transcript