Your Partner’s Emotions Are Not Your Own ft. Dr. Tracy Dalgleish
Oct 15, 2023
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Psychologist and author Dr. Tracy Dalgleish discusses avoiding taking on someone else's emotions, navigating long-distance relationships, understanding your partner's emotions, being less of an empath, and the impact of motherhood on a partnership.
Maintaining independence while being a good partner requires setting boundaries and recognizing that your partner's emotions are not your responsibility.
The transition to parenthood can impact relationship dynamics, and open communication, nurturing the relationship, and seeking support are crucial in navigating this phase.
Empaths and highly sensitive people should practice discernment, set boundaries, and regulate their emotions in order to maintain their sense of self.
Deep dives
Maintaining Independence in a Relationship
In a relationship, it is important to maintain your independence while still being a good partner. This requires communicating your needs and feelings to your partner, and practicing healthy differentiation. It is crucial to recognize that your partner's emotions are not your responsibility, and to set boundaries to avoid getting emotionally fused. Building interdependence involves creating agreements, finding ways to connect and nurture the relationship, and engaging in intentional acts of love and connection.
Navigating the Challenges of Parenthood
Becoming parents can create challenges in a relationship. The transition to parenthood can lead to feelings of resentment and impact the relationship dynamics. It is important to have open and honest conversations about roles, responsibilities, and expectations before and after having a baby. Building rituals of connection, actively nurturing the relationship, and seeking support are crucial in navigating the impact of parenthood on the relationship.
Setting Boundaries as an Empath
If you are an empath or highly sensitive person, setting boundaries is essential. Being empathetic can be a gift, but it can also lead to issues of taking on others' emotions and losing your sense of self. Practicing discernment and selectively choosing what you allow in can help in managing empathy. This includes being aware of your own needs and limits, respecting your partner's feelings, and finding ways to regulate your emotions.
Reigniting the Spark Post-Kids
Many couples struggle with feeling like roommates after having kids. It is important to prioritize intentional connection and plan regular activities or dates together. Bringing back rituals of connection, discussing the impact of parenthood on the relationship, and finding ways to have shared experiences can help reignite the spark and bring back the sense of intimacy in the relationship.
Expressing Feelings in the Moment with Partner
Expressing your feelings to your partner in the moment requires self-awareness and regulation. It is important to check in with yourself and your partner's emotional state before sharing. Using a fact-plus-feeling method can help communicate your needs effectively without blaming or attacking the other person. Taking the time to reflect and make sense of your emotions can lead to better communication and connection in the relationship.
On today’s episode, I sit down with psychologist and author Dr. Tracy Dalgleish. We discuss how to avoid taking on someone else’s emotions, navigating a long distance relationship, understanding your partner’s emotions may have nothing to do with you, how to be less of an empath, how motherhood changes a partnership, getting the spark back post kids, and so much more.
Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.
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