In this episode, the conversation is about the emotional rollercoaster of family estrangement,  examining the layers of apologies and the fears around intimacy.

We explore the deep need for understanding and validation, particularly through the act of apology, which is dissected as more than a mere admission of fault but rather as an expression of empathy and a stepping stone toward healing.

We touch upon the complex interplay between advocating for oneself and showing empathy, especially when chronic pain affects one of the partners. 

We also discuss crafting conversations that are both tender and truthful, ensuring that each partner feels heard and respected. This delicate balance between self-advocacy and understanding is crucial in times of pain and can help in how partners support each other.

Show notes:
(0:53) What is the point of setting boundaries when I feel bad about it?
(9:12) How do I address hearsay when it comes back to me?
(18:15) What I really want in an apology.
(24:20) Can I improve this relationship all by myself?
(26:32) How do I handle a fear about being intimate with a partner?
(34:28) How do I advocate for my needs without making the other person feel like they're being micro-managed or controlled?
(51:28) Outro

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