The Thinking Mind Podcast: Psychiatry & Psychotherapy E158 | Thinking Films: Blue Valentine (2010)
Jan 16, 2026
Dive into the emotional depths of 'Blue Valentine' as themes of love, regret, and attachment unfold. Explore how relationships often fail without proactive maintenance. Discover the impact of addiction and how alcohol can cloud judgment during conflicts. The podcast highlights the critical role of playfulness in keeping intimacy alive. Engaging discussions about personal growth emphasize cooperation in partnerships, while a thoughtful examination of the characters sheds light on how our backgrounds shape relationships.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Love As A Living, Time-Driven Process
- Blue Valentine shows love as a living, decaying process rather than a fairy tale.
- Alex Curmi argues the film treats time itself as a character that exposes that decay.
Falling In Love With Potential
- Falling in love includes loving someone's potential as much as their present self.
- The tragedy in Blue Valentine is that the couple's potential never manifests.
Playfulness Is A Relationship Tool
- Playfulness is crucial for adult bonding and nervous-system regulation.
- Curmi says play tests boundaries, creates safety, and helps couples stay connected.