When it's just Jess and David, everything is fabulous. But in public, Jess feels like a secret. David doesn't post photos of them, he hasn't introduced her to his family, and she barely knows his friends. Jess is left feeling like a "side piece," good enough for him, but not for his image.

In this session, a couple confronts the painful gap between their private connection and their public life. They’re facing different definitions of what constitutes cheating, a history of trust issues, and the raw feeling of being ashamed by the person you love.

Listen to the second part of Jess & David's session here

Resources (Australia-only)

1800RESPECT: The national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service.
Beyond Blue: For support with anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.
Lifeline Australia: For 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Motivated Minds: Learn more about host Sarah Bays’ practice.
Relationships Australia: A leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities.

The End Bits

Want To Be On This Is Why We Fight? Apply here.
Host: Sarah Bays
Executive Producer: Naima Brown
Studio Engineer: Lu Hill
Audio production: Thom Lion and Jacob Round
Production support: Leah Porges and Coco Lavigne
Follow This Is Why We Fight on Instagram for sneak peeks and more relationship therapy content

Explore all Mamamia’s podcasts here.

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Holiday Whoobie Whaty (12/26/25)