The impact of a toxic past relationship can hinder one's ability to fully open up in a new relationship.
The fear of rejection and difficulty in embracing affectionate gestures can impede vulnerability in relationships.
Addressing anxieties and fears through open conversations and exposure therapy can help overcome intimacy issues and build healthier relationships.
Deep dives
Effects of a past toxic relationship on current relationship
The podcast episode explores the experiences of an individual who is struggling to fully open up in a new relationship due to the lingering effects of a toxic past relationship. The person shares their previous engagement with a partner who had severe clinical OCD, which caused constant questioning and anxiety in the relationship. The individual felt unsupported and unable to trust in their emotions, leading to the end of the engagement. Although they have moved on and entered a healthier relationship, thoughts of the past still occupy their mind and impact their ability to fully trust and embrace their new partner.
Challenges of vulnerability and fear of rejection
The podcast episode delves into the challenges faced by the individual in being vulnerable and opening up to their new partner. Due to the past toxic relationship, they struggle with trust and fear of rejection. They find it difficult to embrace their new partner's affectionate gestures and fear that getting too close will eventually lead to another heartbreak. The individual desires to find peace and closure from their past and not let it negatively affect their current relationship.
Parallel between past and current relationships
The episode highlights the parallel between the individual's past relationship and their current one, involving role reversals. In the previous relationship, they took care of a partner suffering from OCD, whereas now, they find themselves struggling to address their own anxieties and fears. The podcast hosts suggest having an open conversation with the current partner about these concerns, expressing the need for support and understanding. Additionally, they recommend exposure therapy, where the individual gradually leans into vulnerability and intimate gestures to overcome their anxieties and build a healthier relationship.
Opening up and finding support in a new relationship
Dug has been working on opening up and embracing the love and support he receives from his new boyfriend, Lucas. They had an honest conversation about Dug's fears of intimacy and Lucas listened and supported him. Dug also shared with Lucas the rejection he felt from his family and how it impacts his anxiety in relationships. Opening up to Lucas brought them closer together and provided a sense of relief. Dug is committed to continuing the work of being vulnerable and building a healthier relationship with Lucas.
Setting boundaries and expressing feelings to family
Dug took the step of writing a letter to his family, expressing his feelings and setting boundaries. He shared how their judgment and invalidating questions hurt him and stated that he expects to be loved and celebrated for who he is. This was a difficult task for Dug, but he felt a weight lifted off his shoulders after sending the letter. He hasn't received a response yet, but he remains hopeful that this will lead to a healthier relationship with his family.
Hey, Fellow Travelers. We wrap up Season 2 with a beautiful session with Doug, who is finally in a healthy, loving relationship after the breakup of a long-term relationship that left some emotional scars. We help him to understand why intimacy is so scary for him, the impact his earlier romantic relationship had on him, and how he can be vulnerable in his current relationship in order to feel safe and cared for.
And some exciting news! By posting reviews, sharing episodes, and telling friends about our podcast, YOU made it possible for us to bring you a brand-new season of sessions! If you’d like to apply to be on the show in Season 3, email loriandguy@iheartmedia.com.
And if you missed ANY episodes in Seasons 1 or 2, now’s the time to catch up… or listen again and learn something new!
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