Multiamory: Rethinking Modern Relationships 522 - The Power of Denial: Are You Lying to Yourself?
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Mar 25, 2025 This discussion dives deep into denial in relationships, exploring how it serves as a defense mechanism to buffer emotional pain. Personal anecdotes reveal the struggle of ignoring red flags and the consequences of avoiding painful truths. They also examine how denial complicates coping with loss, and its potential to distort our perception of time. Through self-reflection exercises, listeners learn to recognize behaviors and confront self-deception, ultimately advocating for acceptance as a pathway to healing.
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Denial Shields From Despair
- Denial often protects us from despair associated with loss, conflict, or rejection.
- We fear despair because it feels endless and uncomfortable, so denial acts as a protective shield.
Jace's Denial Story
- Jace was in denial about a person's lack of interest despite subtle signs like inconsistent scheduling.
- He realized hindsight clarity showed the person was not truly interested in the relationship.
Emily's Long-Term Denial
- Emily experienced years of denial trying to fix a long-term relationship despite incompatibility.
- She realized later that her efforts to change herself to make it work were futile.