Show notes
Fresh off a wholesome, "emotionally regulated" Valentine’s Day with her friends, Mehak (@whathemehak) dives into a deep conversation about why romantic love has become a "performance of adulthood" and a "social status symbol" in 2026.Joining the conversation is content creator Alexa Valavicius (@lifewithlex444), who discusses her decision to opt out of intentional dating in 2026. She opens up about her journey since being diagnosed with rumination OCD and shares a truly jaw-dropping dating horror story. Together, they unpack the exhaustion of modern dating and the freedom found in choosing yourself over a societal timeline.Connect with Alexa @lifewlex444 on Instagram and @lifewithlex444 on TikTokHosted by: Mehak @whathemehak on TikTok and @whathemehak_ on IGProducers: Saadia Khan and Shei Yu | Content Writers: Mehak | Sound Designer & Editor: Lou Raskin I Love-ly Theme Music: Lou Raskin | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover art design: Josephine Chai | Executive Producer: Saadia Khan🔗 Subscribe to Hyphenly, our new newsletter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes. 👉 Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us! Don’t forget to subscribe! If you'd like to share your thoughts about this episode or any other episode, you can contact [email protected].Follow us: @immigrantlypods (IG) | @immigrantly (TikTok) | @love_lypodLove-ly is an Immigrantly Media Production.For advertising inquiries, email [email protected]Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices