Ever wondered why your partner might be acting jealous or protective? Or why some men fight and why some of us might actually like it when they do this to protect us? If yes, this episode is for you.

This week, Louise is joined by Zack Alexander, men’s coach, as the pair discuss Travis Kelsey and Taylor Swift and how we can use it as a vehicle for the exploration of healthy vs. toxic masculinity. They jump straight into:

• Why males fighting males is a man who is not in control of himself
• Differentiating between possession, control, aggression, and versus protection
• The importance of elements of healthy protection: ensuring safety and well-being without putting the partner at risk, creating a sense of security
• The importance of emotional safety and the impact it has on relationships, especially for women
• Understanding the concept of emotional reactions as being ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’
• The importance of a ‘well-integrated and psychologically healthy man’ that can hold space for emotional needs and communication 
• Exploring the concept of "bad boys" and the underlying wounds that drive a need for overcompensation
• Discussion about the roots of unhealthy behavior, including suppression, poor emotional regulation, and defense mechanisms

The pair also discuss why some females like a ‘bad boy’ and what is really going on below this and how it is related to a desire to seek external safety.

They also discuss shame, the anxious attachment and the inner child. 

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⠀ Connect with Louise on Instagram: @iamlouiserumball

⠀ Follow Louise (The Therapy Girl) on TikTok: @thetherapygirl__

⠀ Connect with OPENHOUSE: @theopenhousepodcast

⠀ Connect with Zack on Instagram: @iamzackalexander

⠀ Work with Zack: HERE

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Music Sources

⠀ Vibe With Me by Joakim Karud http://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud

⠀ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/-7YDBIGCXsY

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