Psychology In Seattle Podcast Leftover 17th Anniversary Questions #2
Oct 3, 2025
Dive into intriguing discussions about apologizing for reading a partner's messages and the complexities of family dynamics, particularly in emotionally distant WASP-y families. Explore the impact of sibling abuse and the unique challenges it presents. Kirk also shares insights on dealing with weaponized incompetence versus genuine struggles like ADHD. Plus, there's a light-hearted segment where he reveals which animal he relates to, alongside serious reflections on historical erasure and the significance of parental influence on emotional regulation.
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Apologize First, Then Address Betrayal
- Apologize plainly when you invade a partner's privacy and take responsibility for the breach of trust.
- Then address the discovered betrayal with calm, insist on communication, and prioritize safety and clarity about the relationship.
Set Boundaries With Friends Who Seek Therapy
- Tell friends explicitly you are not acting as their therapist before giving clinical-style input.
- Be more conversational and talkative with friends rather than using therapeutic minimal responses.
WASP Cultural Avoidance Has Real Effects
- Some white Anglo-Saxon Protestant (WASP-y) families show long-standing emotional avoidance and distance across generations.
- That avoidance can produce hurt for in-laws and may require gentle outsider framing and selective boundary-setting.
