← All stories
Psychology

Dating Expert Reveals Why 'Butterflies' Are Actually a Red Flag

Modern Wisdom · Why You’re Obsessed, Anxious, & Still Single - Mercedes Coffman - #1092 · May 3, 2026
Dating Expert Reveals Why 'Butterflies' Are Actually a Red Flag
Modern Wisdom
Modern Wisdom
Why You’re Obsessed, Anxious, & Still Single - Mercedes Coffman - #1092
"We started calling it butterflies. And that's so pretty and cute. Oh, he gives me butterflies. No, he activates your nervous system. He's not good for you. Obsession is rarely ever about the other person. Obsession is about nervous system activation."
Therapist challenges romantic notion of 'butterflies,' explaining that early dating obsession typically signals nervous system dysregulation caused by uncertainty and inconsistency rather than genuine compatibility, urging daters to recognize this as a warning sign.
From this episode
Modern Wisdom
Modern Wisdom

Why You’re Obsessed, Anxious, & Still Single - Mercedes Coffman - #1092

August 3, 2026 · 3 Egleze moments
Read episode summary and key points →

More moments from this episode

Relationships & FamilyTherapist: Being With Emotionally Avoidant Partner Can Cause Physical IllnessRelationships & FamilyTwo-Thirds of People Experience Relationship Self-Sabotage, Study Finds
More stories More from Modern Wisdom