Since You Asked with Lori Gottlieb and Gretchen Rubin

We return for Season 2 with updates from listeners on gift-giving pressure, Botox honesty, and setting boundaries around family expectations. We respond to a question from a listener unsure whether to say something to a loved one about an uncomfortable issue involving a persistent smell. We also check in on whether we actually followed our own advice from last season about how to have a happier holiday. Plus Since You Askers weigh in: If someone needs to hear a hard truth about themselves, would you rather it come from family or a close friend? Have a question or advice to share? Leave a voicemail or write to us at thesinceyouaskedpodcast.com. Follow along with Gretchen (@gretchenrubin) and Lori (@lorigottlieb_author) on Instagram for the latest on the show. Subscribe to Since You Asked on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. Since You Asked is for entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for medical, mental health, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional with questions about your own situation. By sending us your question, you agree we may use it on the show and edit it for length or clarity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi everyone, it’s Lori. Today we’re sharing another episode from my other podcast, Dear Therapists, where my fellow therapist Guy Winch and I do real sessions you can sit in on, offer practical interventions, and then hear how these interventions worked out after the session. Today’s session is with Jason, who still carries emotional scars from his childhood. Now married and with children of his own, Jason is aware that his parents are aging and wants to be a good son, and wonders how to navigate these relationships while also freeing himself to enjoy the adulthood he worked so hard to create.  So you’ll hear his letter, we’ll bring him on live for the session, give him some homework to do, and hear how it all went when he put it into practice. I think you’ll find this session valuable in your own life too.  To hear more sessions, go to Dear Therapists wherever you listen to podcasts.   We’ll be back for Season 2 in the new year! Have a question or advice to share? Leave a voicemail or write to us at thesinceyouaskedpodcast.com. Follow along with Gretchen (@gretchenrubin) and Lori (@lorigottlieb_author) on Instagram for the latest on the show. Subscribe to Since You Asked on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. Since You Asked & Dear Therapists is for entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for medical, mental health, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional with questions about your own situation. By sending us your question, you agree we may use it on the show and edit it for length or clarity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This session dives into Jennifer's emotional turmoil after discovering her fiancé, Dan, flirting with an ex on Instagram. The hosts explore their relationship's rocky foundation, including an unintended pregnancy and past trust issues. They discuss the impact of Dan's previous affair and his defensive responses to Jennifer's hurt. With valuable homework, they guide her to reclaim her narrative and encourage open communication. Jennifer's follow-up reveals breakthroughs in therapy, highlighting the importance of agency and self-reflection in healing.

Listeners share their thoughts on family dynamics, including a daughter grappling with her father's baby with a younger partner. The hosts tackle tricky subjects like commenting on a friend's excessive Botox and whether high school reunions are worth attending. David Duchovny shares his wisdom, advising that nothing is as extreme as it seems. The episode explores empathy, boundaries, and practical life tips while closing the season with a thoughtful reflection on advice from listeners.

In this discussion, the hosts tackle the challenges of setting family boundaries, particularly regarding overindulgent grandparents. They explore how to handle a friend's inconvenient scheduling requests for a sports team. Listeners share their insights on navigating the tricky dynamics of dining with difficult friends. The conversation dives into distinguishing between overindulgence and enabling behavior in relatives, offering practical advice for parents. Plus, heartfelt stories from listeners about coping with post-wedding blues add an engaging touch.

Listeners share their thoughts on messy rooms and holiday gift-giving dilemmas. The hosts dive into the tricky question of whether visiting parents should stay in a hotel, exploring compromise and family dynamics. They also discuss the post-wedding blues and the challenges of adjusting to married life. Another hot topic is how to handle tempting office treats while trying to stick to health goals. Plus, insights on the importance of holiday traditions spark lively debate!

Mandy Patinkin, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in 'Homeland' and 'The Princess Bride,' and his partner Kathryn Grody, an actress and writer, share wisdom on navigating family drama. They offer practical advice for handling emotional outbursts at gatherings and emphasize the importance of setting boundaries. Reflecting on their two separations, they discuss how those experiences led to personal growth and acceptance of each other's flaws. Their humorous and heartfelt anecdotes provide insights into building a resilient relationship.

The hosts tackle the tricky situation of a friend who constantly one-ups conversations, exploring causes and offering humorous tactics to manage it. They also discuss family dynamics, from navigating impersonal gifts to addressing emotional boundaries. Bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert asks how to cope with anxiety about loved ones' risky choices, leading to insightful strategies for relief. Listener updates on sensitive issues like egg donation and post-wedding blues add depth to the conversation.

This discussion delves into the intriguing phenomenon of post-wedding sadness, exploring the emotional shifts that accompany major life changes. Listeners share unexpected family secrets and the complexities of breaking up with a hairstylist. The hosts debate whether the holiday season is a joyful time or a source of stress, while also offering practical advice for dealing with a messy teenager's room. It's a candid exploration of relationships, emotions, and the often-overlooked aspects of family dynamics.

The hosts explore the delicate topic of informing a teenager about being conceived through egg donation, emphasizing the importance of honesty. They also tackle the emotional complexities of breaking up with a hairstylist, suggesting a respectful approach. Listeners chime in on family dynamics and share insights about punctuality, adding a community perspective. It's an engaging mix of personal advice and relatable stories that stir both heart and humor.