The Psychology of your 20s

Friendships should uplift us, but not all do. This discussion highlights five types of toxic friendships, like the critic who controls and the gossip who breaks trust. It also delves into why we cling to unhealthy relationships and how they harm our well-being. Listeners will learn to spot warning signs and the importance of establishing boundaries. Managing friendship breakups and finding healthier connections are key takeaways, encouraging growth and emotional freedom.

In this insightful conversation, the host shares ten pivotal regrets from her early 20s. She reflects on the importance of setting boundaries and the pitfalls of impulse buying. Ghosting friends instead of having closure and over-focusing on dating are discussed as common traps. She emphasizes the need for self-respect in relationships and highlights the value of journaling and trusting one's gut. Additionally, she stresses the significance of prioritizing health and the experiences that truly matter over societal pressures.

Hitting rock bottom can feel like losing everything, with identity collapse and helplessness at the forefront. It explores how addiction can exacerbate feelings of isolation and despair. Despite the pain, rock bottom is analyzed as a potential turning point—a chance for growth and rebuilding. Practical tips for recovery are shared, emphasizing acceptance, small wins, and changes in environment to spark transformation. Listeners are reminded that seeking help before reaching rock bottom is essential for fostering resilience.

This discussion dives into the pitfalls of managing other people's emotions, emphasizing the importance of setting healthy boundaries. It explores how childhood conditioning leads to people-pleasing behaviors and the difference between empathy and enmeshment. Listeners learn practical steps to reclaim their emotional energy, such as saying no unfiltered and allowing others to self-regulate. Personal anecdotes illustrate the strain of emotional labor, while a mantra encourages self-empowerment and authentic relationships.

Explore the complexities of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), a condition often clouded by stigma and misunderstanding. Discover what living with BPD feels like, including intense emotions and relationship challenges. Delve into the biological and environmental factors that contribute to the disorder, as well as the effectiveness of treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Learn about the impact of childhood trauma and the misconceptions surrounding BPD behaviors, all while highlighting paths to recovery and hope.

Explore the intriguing world of personality tests! Discover their scientific basis and the feminist history behind their development. Learn about the reliability and validity of these assessments and why we often believe their results. Delve into the Big Five model and its cultural limitations. Jemma also unpacks the origins and critiques of the Myers-Briggs test, highlighting its flaws and the Barnum effect that makes results feel accurate. Finally, gain insights on how to use these tests for personal growth without getting boxed in.

In your twenties, the quest for approval intensifies as childhood feedback fades away. This podcast explores why we crave external validation, especially through social media. Discover the crucial difference between seeking outside affirmation and nurturing self-acceptance. The discussion reveals how our brains are wired for social approval and how relying on others can erode self-worth. Learn practical strategies to reconnect with your values, practice self-recognition, and build a stable sense of self that withstands outside opinions.

Changing your mind is a sign of strength and growth. The discussion delves into why it’s normal to shift beliefs in your 20s and how this can improve decision-making. It tackles the sunk cost fallacy and highlights the benefits of admitting when you're wrong, leading to a more fulfilled life. Listeners are reassured that it's never too late to start anew and encouraged to prioritize their future selves. Embracing change opens doors to personal freedom and reduces the fear of judgment.

In a world overflowing with external opinions, finding your inner voice is essential. Discover how self-trust can alleviate anxiety and empower decision-making. Delve into the roots of self-doubt, shaped by early experiences and cultural pressures. Learn practical strategies to rebuild self-trust through small promises and intuitive checks. Embrace resilience and protect your choices as you navigate the complexities of adulthood, reminding yourself that trusting yourself is a vital skill worth mastering.

Dive into the messy emotions of hate and its intriguing psychology. Discover why hating can feel good and how it connects to group identity and insecurities. Explore the dark side of negativity, including the role of internet trolls and the psychological toll of gossip. Learn why our harshest critics often come from those closest to us, and gain insights on transforming negativity into motivation. This exploration of hate offers valuable coping strategies to deal with both personal feelings and online criticism.