Dear Sugars

This episode was originally published on August 12th, 2016. The Sugars hear the latest from "Head or the Heart" -- a woman who'd fallen head over heels for a man with a troubled childhood. Everything seemed perfect, and yet, she couldn't help but wonder if the traumas of her love's past would surface at some point in their relationship. "Head or the Heart" became the first letter-writer ever to join the Sugars on the show. The Sugars asked her to write to them in six months to let them know how -- and if -- things were going with her boyfriend. Nine months letter, she sent an update. So, are they still together? Have any of his past traumas manifested in their relationship? The Sugars find out.

Writer Ashley C. Ford joins the Sugars to discuss how couples navigate discussions about body weight in relationships. They explore the impact of societal standards on self-worth, evolving attraction, and the importance of open communication in fostering healthy relationships.

A woman is accused of murdering her mother-in-law in 2002, sparking a tale of betrayal, loss, and the quest for justice. Amidst family drama and long-held secrets, a son born in jail remains a symbol of hope. Follow the twists and turns in this murder mystery podcast as the complex layers of a cold case murder are unveiled.

Delving into the complexities of feeling disconnected in relationships and coping with emotional repercussions, the podcast explores challenges of concealing pain from oblivious friends. The narrators share a desire for companions who comprehend their struggles, highlighting the importance of finding solace in similar emotional burdens. It also discusses struggles of a bisexual immigrant feeling isolated in a relationship with a man who struggles to comprehend her experiences, emphasizing the challenges of being misunderstood and marginalized in significant relationships.

The podcast explores the challenges of maintaining male-female friendships, discussing the possibility of platonic relationships and the impact of romantic feelings. They address confronting unwanted attention and challenging patriarchal norms. They also offer advice on dealing with controlling boyfriends and friendship breakups. The hosts emphasize open communication and mutual respect in navigating the complexities of heterosexual friendships.

The podcast discusses frequently asked questions about friendships, exploring topics such as hating a friend's significant other, coping with jealousy, supporting friends in toxic relationships, and navigating political differences in friendships.

The podcast discusses the complexities of stepchild-step parent relationships, including the impact of step-parenting in adulthood and strategies for navigating strained relationships. It also explores the fears and concerns of navigating a parent's new relationship and offers guidance on finding gratitude. The podcast shares a story of a stepchild who felt abandoned after their stepfather cut off contact, and discusses the experience of feeling like an outsider in blended families and the desire for stable and loving relationships. The chapter on navigating the pain of withdrawal offers advice on dealing with the grief of someone leaving your life.

Buzz Bissinger, author of Friday Night Lights, shares his struggle with a spending addiction. The hosts discuss misconceptions around spending addictions and how they affect personal lives. They also explore the impact of behavioral addictions and lack of acceptance in society. A writer opens up about their spending addiction stemming from OCD and anxiety as a single mother seeking advice. The podcast emphasizes self-discovery, reflection, and setting a positive example for others.

The Sugars discuss doubts in relationships, the importance of saying 'I love you', navigating physical attraction, the complexities of love and prioritizing honesty, taking chances in relationships, and navigating doubts before marriage.

Exploring the emotional turmoil of feeling ugly, the hosts discuss societal beauty standards and the negative feelings associated with one's physical appearance. Writer Ariel Henley shares her experiences with facial differences and finding self-acceptance. The podcast also explores the power of being an outsider and the significance of recognizing these experiences as valuable lessons.