Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

Esther Calling - I Can Break up with Him But I'm Still Stuck With Myself

46 snips
Feb 24, 2025
A woman grapples with the complexities of her long-distance relationship, contemplating whether to end it. Esther helps her explore fears of intimacy, rejection, and deep-seated family dynamics. The conversation reveals the struggle between seeking emotional safety and desiring connection. They discuss the impact of loneliness, emotional vulnerability, and the importance of articulating personal needs. Ultimately, they focus on self-acceptance and breaking free from guilt, empowering her to seek closer relationships and embrace her true self.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Caller's Relationship

  • The caller, a 37-year-old Ukrainian woman living in Bangladesh, is in a 5-year long-distance relationship with an American man.
  • She feels it's time to end it due to his lack of a concrete plan for their future together and her established life in Bangladesh.
INSIGHT

Avoidant Behavior

  • The caller recognizes a pattern of choosing emotionally distant relationships.
  • This allows her to avoid being truly seen or challenged, stemming from a deeper fear of rejection.
ANECDOTE

Family Background

  • The caller shares her parents' complex divorce and her father's lingering resentment towards her mother.
  • She reflects on how this might have influenced her fear of rejection and difficulty with intimacy.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app