What happens when you compare dating in LA to dating halfway across the world?

In this episode, I sit down with Richard — originally from Indonesia and living in LA on and off for the past eight years — to unpack the cultural differences in modern dating. We talk about commitment, family expectations, masculinity, gender roles, and how social media and “optionality” shape relationships in the U.S. compared to Southeast Asia.

Is LA dating really harder — or just more individualistic?

Does Western independence come at the cost of clarity?

And what can both cultures learn from each other?

This conversation isn’t about which culture is better. It’s about understanding how values, upbringing, and environment quietly shape how we love, pursue, and commit.

If you’ve ever dat ...