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Getting the Ick, Harry Potter vs. LOTR, and Halloween as Christians

with

Kait and JJ Tomlin

Today we’re diving into icks and Halloween! Join JJ and Kait as they navigate noisy eating habits, childhood costumes, and the Christian perspective on Halloween!

Introduction

Hiii HOD fam, Kait and JJ are back with an intriguing episode that delves into the perplexing world of "icks" in relationships, magical worlds of Harry Potter, and the ever-polarizing holiday of Halloween! This episode steers us on a rollercoaster of candid discussions and lighthearted exchanges, designed to make you reflect and chuckle along the way. Sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the delightful chaos!

What Exactly is an 'Ick'?

Let’s start with the concept that had our hosts giggling and cringing—the "ick." For those new to this dating phenomenon, an "ick" is that sudden feeling of repulsion towards someone you’re dating, sparked by something unexpected or trivial they do. Kait kicked things off by sharing her memorable "ick" moment with JJ's noisy eating. Yes, you read that right—slurping and smacking. On their first date! But hey, as Kait mentions, while an "ick" can be off-putting, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a deal breaker.

JJ's “full mouth theory”—the belief that food is best enjoyed when you can truly 'savor' it—sparked a hilarious debate. Yet, love prevailed, and noisy eating was relegated to a tolerable 'ick' rather than a relationship killer hahaha. From premature declarations of beauty to odd social media practices like excessive shirtless selfies, Kait and JJ shared both personal anecdotes and common listener submissions, making us all nod in agreement or laugh out loud at shared experiences.

Christianity and Halloween: A Complex Relationship

As October chills sweep in, our hosts segued into the quintessential fall topic: Halloween. For many Christians, Halloween can be a tricky, even contentious, season. Kait and JJ took us down memory lane, sharing childhood experiences—JJ’s limited celebrations centered around a small bowl of candy, while Kait’s non-scary decor was highlights from her youth. They addressed the common Christian dilemma: to Halloween or not to Halloween?

Early Christians attempted to reclaim this holiday by merging it with All Saints' Day, citing how many current popular holidays have roots in pagan traditions. Discussing whether participating in Halloween festivities aligns with Christian values, Kait happily embraces lighter, community-centered activities. Yet, both hosts recognize the darker current Halloween narratives propelled by Hollywood’s horror culture, reminding us to tread thoughtfully.

Harry Potter Versus Lord of the Rings: The Magical Divide

The conversation then pivoted to another magical, yet controversial topic—Harry Potter versus Lord of the Rings. With some Christian families embracing Tolkien’s epic tales while shunning Rowling’s wizarding world, Kait and JJ explored the nuances of this divide. JJ shared an anecdote about not being allowed to read Harry Potter growing up, contrasting with Kait’s experience. With her mother's pre-approval of each book, Kait deepened our understanding of how Christians navigate secular stories.

Both hosts pondered the consistency in these stances, likening it to selective support of companies based on their ideological standings. This conversation, rich with personal reflections and broader implications, left listeners pondering their own principles and practices.

'Icks' and Personal Preferences in Dating

Returning to the lighthearted, Kait and JJ then discussed how everyone encounters "icks" in relationships, but the key lies in discerning between minor turn-offs and significant red flags. Sneakily impactful moments from early dating—like critiquing the cost of a date, frequently talking about an ex, or selfie habits—underline how nuanced these "icks" can be.

JJ and Kait encouraged listeners to share their own "ick" experiences, fostering a sense of community and collective learning. From excessive cussing to unkindness towards service staff, common "icks" were highlighted, reminding us that small habits can have big impacts in the world of dating.

Creating Clean, Positive Holiday Traditions

In the spirit of fostering community while upholding values, Kait and JJ suggested embracing wholesome Halloween activities. Hosting positive, inclusive events that reflect our values can carve out a unique space in the broader cultural landscape. By sharing treats, donning fun costumes, and engaging neighborhood kids, participating in Halloween can indeed foster stronger, value-aligned community bonds.

Conclusion

JJ and Kait left us with a fun, reflective, and community-centered episode that keeps us all engaged and thoughtful about our own practices and preferences. Don't forget to keep sharing your "icks," reflections, and dating stories with us, HOD fam! Together, we navigate the beautiful, sometimes bumpy, road of dating and relationships.

Till next time, HOD fam!

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Kait Tomlin

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Kait Tomlin is a best-selling author, speaker, popular relationship coach, and the founder of Heart of Dating. She helps thousands of men and women on their journeys through the conversations on the Heart of Dating Podcast, which launched in 2018.

Through her ministry, Kait’s mission is to empower both men and women to have the courage to own their story, walk in victory, thrive with purpose, and discover clarity and vision in their life and relationships. In her new book, Thank You for Rejecting Me: Transform Pain into Purpose and Learn to Fight for Yourself, Kait vulnerably shares how she grew through her deepest, darkest rejections and offers readers the tools to heal from the past, take back their power, and walk in strength, victory, and love into their future. Kait currently lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband JJ and their pups Lovey and Teddy. She loves sunshine, walks, Jesus, and lip syncing to Celine Dion.

JJ Tomlin

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JJ Tomlin is a missionary kid born in Belgium, originally from Tennessee, and currently residing in the OC. He currently works in Gaming/E-Commerce, enjoys watching his Tennessee Titans on Sundays with his Goldendoodle Teddy and loves working with Christian men to raise the bar in singleness and dating.


Headshot of JJ Tomlin

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