The Jefferson Fisher Podcast

Dr. John Delony: Why Your Body Can’t Tell Real Fights From Fake Ones

79 snips
Sep 16, 2025
Dr. John Delony, a mental health expert and best-selling author, discusses the hidden anxiety hurting relationships. He highlights how unresolved childhood experiences manifest in adulthood, fueling imaginary conflicts. John shares effective strategies: spread calmness and prioritize honesty to enhance communication. They explore the fear of abandonment and the importance of open dialogue in overcoming emotional turmoil. Personal anecdotes about navigating panic and isolation, especially in the age of social media, add depth to this enlightening conversation.
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INSIGHT

Imagined Arguments Feel Real

  • Imaginary fights trigger the same physiological response as real fights and hijack your day.
  • Your body cannot tell the difference between rehearsed arguments and real conversations.
INSIGHT

Anxiety Masks Abandonment Fear

  • Deep anxiety often hides a fear of abandonment and being left alone.
  • People build protection theatre to avoid the gut fear that relationships might irreversibly break.
ANECDOTE

Astros Ticket Revealed A Child's Fear

  • John told a story about buying an Astros ticket and his son asking, "Do you love me as much as the Astros?".
  • The moment revealed how simple shifts in attention create lifelong insecurity.
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