Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel cover image

Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

You are Vocal on the Criticism But Silent on the Compliments

Mar 24, 2025
In this insightful discussion, a couple grapples with feelings of abandonment and isolation while raising their family. The wife feels neglected, while the husband struggles to meet both familial and personal demands. They share the emotional turmoil arising from their disconnect, highlighting the importance of appreciation, communication, and mutual understanding. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care to nurture both the couple's relationship and their children's well-being, as they seek to rewrite their family narrative.
01:04:09

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The couple grapples with a loss of personal identity amidst family responsibilities, leaving them feeling isolated in their marriage.
  • Their communication is primarily focused on criticisms, with positive affirmations often undermined, leading to growing resentment and disconnection.

Deep dives

Struggles of Identity and Togetherness

A central theme of the episode is the struggle between individual identity and the shared identity within the marriage. Both partners reflect on how their responsibilities have led to a feeling of isolation despite being together for 16 years. They have grown accustomed to prioritizing family duties over personal needs, resulting in a loss of connection with each other as individuals. This dynamic leaves them feeling alone in their marriage, where both partners express desires for deeper connection and intimacy, yet feel trapped by their current patterns.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode