Happy Place Book Club Meets: “I’m a love and sex addict!” Elizabeth Gilbert copes with co-dependency and grief
Nov 13, 2025
In a heartfelt conversation, bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert delves into her journey of love, grief, and recovery after the loss of her partner. She candidly discusses the traits of love and sex addiction, emphasizing the importance of recognizing harmful patterns. Gilbert shares her struggles with boundaries, the balance between retreat and engagement, and the role of self-compassion in overcoming defensiveness. With insights on writing authentically and the pitfalls of social media, she reflects on her past and finds solace in her happy place.
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Vivid Post-Death Visitations
- Elizabeth Gilbert describes vivid visitations from her partner Raya following Raya's death where Raya felt present and conversational in her mind.
- These experiences were intimate, even sensual, and helped Gilbert feel accompanied during early grief.
Truth Needs Time And Sobriety
- Gilbert delayed writing about Raya because she needed time, sobriety, and clarity to understand her role and avoid a self-serving narrative.
- She frames the book as a forensic exploration of truth after years of healing and reflection.
Sobriety Means Not Using People
- Gilbert defines emotional sobriety as any day she is not using another person to regulate her feelings or mood.
- She recognises patterns where she uses people as sedatives or stimulants and calls identifying patterns radical honesty.
