Not Your Average Counsellor

How much should your partner’s relationship with their ex affect yours?


Listen Later

Episode Overview:

Exes can stir up insecurity or jealousy, but not all past connections threaten your relationship. This episode helps you spot the difference between healthy contact and problematic ties, and navigate your feelings with clarity.

Discussion Points:

🔹 Exes trigger normal discomfort-insecurities can amplify fear.
🔹 Understand why contact exists: shared kids, social circles, work, or genuine closure.
🔹 Healthy ex relationships mean transparency, emotional closure, and your security.
🔹 Problems arise when your partner prioritises the ex or hides contact.
🔹 Your feelings matter but aren’t proof of wrongdoing-explore if they stem from past wounds or present issues.
🔹 Past betrayals can make ex contact feel worse; separate old pain from current reality.
🔹 Distinguish intuition (present risk) from insecurity (past fears).
🔹 Communicate feelings without blame: ask for transparency and reassurance.
🔹 Healthy boundaries protect your relationship-no secrets or emotional reliance on the ex.
🔹 If the ex remains a priority and boundaries aren’t respected, ask: is there space for you here?

Closing Thoughts:

A partner’s past isn’t a threat if honesty and boundaries exist. Security comes from emotional commitment and transparency now.

Reflection Questions:

  • Do I feel included in my partner’s life?

  • Is my discomfort about now or old wounds?

  • What boundaries would make me feel safe?

  • Does my partner respond openly or defensively?
  • ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Not Your Average CounsellorBy HQCS


    More shows like Not Your Average Counsellor

    View all
    Conversations by ABC Australia

    Conversations

    785 Listeners

    Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel by Esther Perel Global Media

    Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

    14,880 Listeners