You're Not Too Much, You Need the Right Match

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Dec 26, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Todd Baratz, a sex therapist and author, debunks the fairy tale myth of 'the one' in relationships. He argues that rigid 'shoulds' about love create unnecessary anxiety. Todd emphasizes that not everyone is a narcissist; sometimes, people are just incompatible. He also highlights that being viewed as 'too much' may stem from a partner's emotional limitations, and that genuine connection is what truly matters in intimacy. From clear communication about desires to the importance of reciprocity in sexual relationships, Todd provides practical insights for fostering healthier connections.

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ADVICE

Ditch Relationship 'Shoulds'

Release rigid 'shoulds' like timing of sex or texting norms and add nuance.
Replace absolute rules with conversations about needs and context in each relationship.

INSIGHT

Forget 'The One' Myth

The fairy-tale idea of “the one” creates unrealistic relationship rules and expectations.
Letting go of one-size-fits-all shoulds opens space for realistic, sustainable partnerships.

INSIGHT

Stop Diagnosing To Avoid Self-Work

Over-diagnosing partners (e.g., calling everyone a narcissist) is often anxiety masking.
Labels can prevent self-reflection about why we choose certain partners and keep us stuck in patterns.

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EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode, Emily sits down with Todd Baratz—sex therapist and author of How to Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind—to challenge everything you think you know about relationships. Todd dismantles the fairy tale myth of "the one" and reveals why our obsession with diagnosing every difficult person as a narcissist is keeping us stuck. From exploring how oral sex can make or break your relationship to understanding why some people view emotional depth as "too much," this conversation reframes love as messy, complicated, and beautifully imperfect. T

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Your relationship "shoulds" are sabotaging you—every rule you've internalized about what partners should text, do, or provide creates unnecessary conflict and anxiety; letting go of these expectations (especially "the one" who fulfills all your needs) is the first step to realistic, sustainable love

• Not everyone is a narcissist—our tendency to diagnose and label ourselves and others amplifies anxiety rather than solving problems; sometimes people are just incompatible, not disordered, and that's okay

• You're not "too much," you just need the right match—if someone views your emotional depth and authenticity as intensity, it's because they lack the capacity to handle genuine connection; finding someone who can meet you where you need to be met is about compatibility, not fixing yourself

• Sex is really about connection—when you're craving sex, you're often actually craving intimacy, vulnerability, touch, and being truly seen; understanding this deeper need helps address desire discrepancies and creates more fulfilling sexual experiences

• Dating people who can't connect emotionally—approach them with compassion and curiosity, try to create space for vulnerability, but if they can't or won't open up, accept that they might not be your person and walk away without trying to force everyone to do the work you're doing

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This episode is sponsored by…

Bellesa EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/emilymorse-podcast"

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

2:03 - Letting Go of "The One" & Outdated Relationship Rules

5:22 - How We "Should" All Over Our Relationships

7:26 - Understanding Your Intergenerational Trauma Story

10:23 - Growth Happens in Relationships, Not Just Self-Love

13:12 - Why We Keep Dating the Same Type of Person

17:16 - How to Connect With Men Who Struggle to Connect

22:38 - Listener Questions: Situationships & Communication

5:01 - Oral Sex Should Be Reciprocated (Period)

29:04 - The Truth About Mismatched Desire in Long-Term Relationships

32:46 - Five Quickie Questions with Todd Barrets

34:04 - Turnons: Emily & Erica Discuss Childhood Patterns

47:02 - The Connection Between Mental Health and Sex