In this episode, I talk about one of the biggest patterns I’ve uncovered within my relationships: over-functioning.
For years, I thought I was being loving.
Supportive.
Responsible.
I thought I was creating emotional safety.
But underneath it all, I was often managing everyone’s emotional experience because I was afraid that if people were uncomfortable, hurt, or having different emotional reactions… the relationship would be threatened.
This became especially apparent inside blended family dynamics, where I constantly felt pulled between my partner’s feelings and my daughter’s feelings — trying to make sure nobody felt rejected, abandoned, or uncomfortable.
In this episode, I share a recent real-life experience that made me realize how differently I handle these situations now.
We talk about:
→ over-functioning in relationships
→ emotional management and self-abandonment
→ blended family dynamics
→ loyalty conflicts
→ nervous system capacity
→ emotional safety
→ allowing people to have their own emotional experience
→ staying connected to yourself without choosing sides
This episode is really about what happens when you stop trying to manage everyone else’s emotions… and finally learn how to stay grounded in your own truth while allowing others to navigate theirs.
Learn more about my self-safety framework: https://stan.store/jackiefaber
over functioning, over functioning in relationships, blended family dynamics, nervous system healing, emotional safety, self abandonment, attachment wounds, emotional regulation, codependency, relationship anxiety, self safety, internal orientation, nervous system capacity, people pleasing, emotional boundaries, step parenting, blended families, healing relationship patterns, relationship triggers, emotional maturity, anxious attachment, family dynamics, emotional processing, self trust, relationship healing