02/27/2026
W.W.D ×3 — Episode 6
(Why We Do What We Do When We Date)
How can you tell if you’re settling?
Erica Hartmus, LPC invites a different lens: instead of focusing on whether someone checks every box, ask yourself whether you feel more like yourself — or less — when you’re with them.
Some signs you might be settling:
• Feeling relieved when plans get canceled
• Minimizing your needs because you don’t think they’ll be met
• Staying to avoid starting over rather than because you genuinely don’t want to lose the person
Avoiding “settling” isn’t about perfection.
It’s about listening to your body’s signals.
This is #6 in the series — stay tuned for #7.
Erica is currently accepting new clients in Chicago.
Learn more here: https://balancedawakening.com/erica-hartmus-lpc (confirm URL if needed)