“You are overreacting, like you always do.” “This is all your fault. I wouldn’t have hurt you if you didn’t make me mad.” “I have no idea what you are talking about. You imagined it.” “Stop crying. You are so overdramatic.” “This is why you don’t have friends. You are crazy.”

Have you heard any of these or even voiced some of these? Each one of these sentences is an example of gaslighting: psychological manipulation that leads to the other person questioning their own reality, memories, and rationality. Almost all of us have used gaslighting at least once, but when it becomes pervasive and persistent, the outcomes can be deeply damaging. Gaslighting can be subtle or explicit, intentional or unintentional, but in any case, it can be incredibly hurtful. You deserve better!

Join us as we unpack gaslighting: what it is, how it becomes a pattern of interaction in relationships, risks of gaslighting continuing, and ways to possibly eliminate it. Gaslighting can affect any relationship, including intimate partnerships, parent-child relationships, and friend/family relationships. It has the power to devastate another person’s sense of self, confidence, self-worth, and mental health. Let us give some guidance to move out of this toxic pattern of interaction. 

If you find this episode, or any of our other episodes, helpful to you, please share with those that you love! Let us know what you think about what you want us to talk about next by emailing us at [email protected]! 

Next Tuesday, we explore jealousy and non-monogamous relationships! Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, neurodivergence, navigating milestones as a couple, and so much more!

For more updates and resources, follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipsInsideOutllc! 

Some resources related to this episode:
1. What is Gaslighting?
2. Types, Causes, and How to Respond to Gaslighting
3. More on Gaslighting 

“OCD.” 

We often toss around this acronym freely and without true knowledge of what it means. We use it to describe people that we might also identify as “anal retentive,” “perfectionistic,” or “superstitious.” While there are some overlaps, there can be significant differences. Many of us can be particular, ritualistic, superstitious, or obsessive about certain things, though this does not mean we have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but rather perhaps have some OCD tendencies. Let us explain some differences and ways to help if you struggle with OCD or OCD tendencies. 

Join us as we unpack OCD. We offer helpful information in identifying possible symptoms of OCD, illuminate why you may have OCD or OCD tendencies, the impact of OCD on relationships, and practical ways to reduce its impact on your life. While we can all face intrusive or unwanted thoughts, as well as automatic behaviors or fears, they do not have to dominate our lives. Let us help!

If you find this episode, or any of our other episodes, helpful to you, please share with those that you love! Let us know what you think about what you want us to talk about next by emailing us at [email protected]! 

Next Tuesday, we unpack what gaslighting truly means and what to do next! Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, neurodivergence, navigating milestones as a couple, and so much more!

For more updates and resources, follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipsInsideOutllc!

Some resources related to this episode:
1. What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
2. Treatments of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
3. Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

“When you marry your partner, you marry the entire family.”

Who else has heard this phrase? While it can be tough to hear, there is so much truth laden in it. Our in-laws or the family we date/marry into can have a profound impact on our life, relationship, children, decisions, and so much more, for better or for worse. While navigating boundaries, personality differences, communication, differing expectations, and role changes with our in-laws can be incredibly difficult, you do not have to walk this journey alone. We are here to help!

Join us as we discuss in-laws, the good, the bad, and the ugly. We offer support to help you make the most of your relationships with your in-laws while also honoring your health, boundaries, and happiness. You can both have limits and find  joy with one another! We detail ways to open communication, create respect in these relationships, and get your needs met with the least amount of tension possible. You can enjoy your new, secondary family, and we hope to show you how!

If you find this episode, or any of our other episodes, helpful to you, please share with those that you love! Let us know what you think about what you want us to talk about next by emailing us at [email protected]! 

Next Tuesday, we explore what it means to be OCD and tools to help! Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, OCD, neurodivergence, navigating milestones as a couple, and so much more!

For more updates and resources, follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipsInsideOutllc!

Some resources related to this episode:

1. 10 Tips for Dealing with In-Laws and Setting Healthy Boundaries
2. 10 Ways to Have an Easier Relationship with Your In-Laws
3. Setting Boundaries as Grandparents

Fear: the ultimate double-edged sword. Fear keeps us safe and alive yet can be debilitating and is not pleasant to feel. Fear can range from occasional occurrences to a daily shackle holding us back. Fear can include phobias, fears of connection and intimacy, fears of failure, fears of things going wrong, and distain for the uncertainty. In any case, fear can be incredibly challenging, but there are tools to make it easier to tackle. Tune in as we discuss how! 

Join us as we wade into the waters of fear, unpacking what leads to fear, how common it truly is, the risks of fear, and tangible tools to work more effectively with our fear. Our fear responses can start as early as infancy and are informed by our lived experiences. Fear can range from minor annoyances to a daily battle. Fear does not have to be incapacitating, nor does it have to be the controller of our decisions. We can learn to adapt; let us tell you more it!

If you find this episode, or any of our other episodes, helpful to you, please share with those that you love! Let us know what you think about what you want us to talk about next by emailing us at [email protected]! 

Next Tuesday, we talk about all things in-laws! Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, OCD, neurodivergence, navigating milestones as a couple, and so much more!

For more updates and resources, follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipsInsideOutllc!

Some resources related to the topic:
1. What is Fear?
2. How Fear Works
3. Top 7 Skills Necessary to Overcome Fear
4.. Healthy Ways to Face Your Fears

Attachment: our connection to others and our ability to trust in those around us to love and support us, even in the hardest of moments. Have you ever wondered why you or others interact the way you do in conflict, love, relationships, intimacy, or play? The biggest contributor: your attachment style.

Every single person has a style of attachment, starting from your first day of life. Your style of attachment is formed by your interactions with those around you, both positively and negatively. Your attachment style shapes the jobs you take, the partners you attract and choose, your parenting decisions, your preferences, the friends in your life, and so much more. As you can see, your attachment is a massive contributor to your life and your happiness. Let us tell you why! 

Join us as we explore the role of attachment in our adult relationships. We unveil how we form our attachment style, the types of attachment we can have, the strengths and pitfalls of each style, and ways to strengthen your attachment style. Attachment informs countless parts of our lives and can have profound ripple effects on every relationship we have and the choices we make. You owe it to yourself to form a healthy and secure attachment; it is never too late! 

If you find this episode, or any of our other episodes, helpful to you, please share with those that you love! Let us know what you think about what you want us to talk about next by emailing us at [email protected]! 

Next Tuesday, we explore the world of fear, including some practical tips to overcome it! Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, overcoming fear, managing family relationships, and so much more!

For more updates and helpful resources, follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipsInsideOutllc!

Some resources related to our topic this week:
1. The Different Types of Attachment Styles
2. Attachment Styles & Their Role in Relationships
3. How Attachment Styles Affect Adult Relationships
4. Overparenting and Emerging Adults' Insecure Attachment With Parents and Romantic Partners

We often say “I need” without a second thought of the power of that phrase. At its true core, this phrase implies intensity. It engages our ears to tune in. It tells us that someone is serious and is in need. Think about all of the time you say “I need” throughout the day, especially to your partner. Now ask yourself, did you really need what you requested, or did you want it but not need it? Can you identify the difference? This distinction matters more than you know!

Join my us as we breakdown the difference between needs and wants in relationships and why this difference matters. Needs are crucial to our overall health, including our mental health, and meeting them consistently can significantly impact the success of our relationship. You are responsible for not only understanding, but also meeting, your own needs in your relationship. Let us give you some tips on how to differentiate between your needs and wants, and ways to make sure your needs remain a high priority!

If you find this episode, or any of our other episodes, helpful to you, please share with those that you love! Let us know what you think about what you want us to talk about next by emailing us at [email protected]!  

Next Tuesday, we dive into the world of attachment and its profound impacts on our adult relationships. Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, overcoming fear, managing family relationships, and so much more!

For more updates and resources, please follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipsInsideOutllc!

Some resources related to this episode:
1. The Difference Between a Relationship Need and Want
2. Needs
3. What's the Difference Between Sexual Needs and Wants?
4. Desire Vs. Emotional Need

Happiness seems simple, but it is actually quite complex! The ways we each find, experience, and maintain happiness varies greatly. Some of us may find joy in traveling or our faith, while others find happiness in meaningful relationships and nature. Even though the process of happiness can vary widely, some things remain the same: we all deserve happiness, we all enjoy happiness, and we are all grateful when happiness is our normal.

Ask yourself, how do you make yourself happy? What does happiness feel like in your body? What do you need to change in your life to harness the power of happiness daily? There is no time like the present to make those changes and find your happy!

Join us as we unpack the power of happiness! We explore the ways that happiness can show up for each of us and offer tangible tips to bring in more happiness into our everyday lives, such as boundaries, gratitude, and self-acceptance. Happiness does not happen by accident, but rather by intentional choices and an intentional mindset. We all deserve to feel joy daily, even amidst life’s challenges. We are solely responsible for our own happiness, and it is time you take control of yours!

If you find this episode, or any of our other episodes, helpful to you, please share with those that you love! Let us know what you think about what you want us to talk about next by emailing us at [email protected]! 

Next Tuesday, we break down the difference between needs and wants and how this can impact your relationship. Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, identifying needs vs. wants, boundaries, managing family relationships, and so much more!

For even more updates and helpful resources, follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipInsideOutllc!

Some resources related to this episode's topic:
1. How to Find Happiness
2. Happiness Requires Practice
3. The Science of Happiness
4. Harvard Research on Happiness

Suicide and suicidal ideation are often terrifying topics for us to face personally or support our loved ones through. People in this type of crisis may feel hopeless, alone, helpless, scared, sad, overwhelmed, or many other complex emotions. Many people do not feel equipped to tackle their own thoughts of suicide or support our loved ones when they are in the darkness. This can lead to even more fear, despair, isolation, and pain. 

What if I told you that, while suicidality is serious and can be intense, there are actionable steps you can take to improve your own suicidal thoughts or support your loved ones who are struggling? The first step is to start talking about it openly and regularly. No one must walk this path alone or guess the best next steps. We are hopeful that we can offer some light to guide the way, improving the tools in your tool belt to support in crisis and reducing the fear and silence around suicidality. 

Join us as we welcome another guest, Tandis Hashemi. Tandis is a licensed clinician and co-responder (with an EMT) for Denver’s mental health and psychiatric crisis intervention team. Tandis walks us through the ins and out of suicidality and mental health crisis, both for the person in crisis as well as the people around them offering support. Tandis breaks down risk factors, warning signs, and incredibly helpful tools for suicidal ideation, mental health crises, and self-harm. You do not want to miss these powerful insights to monitor your own mental health and effectively support our loved ones in a critical time of need!

If you find this episode, or any of our other episodes, helpful to you, please share with those that you love! Let us know what you think about what you want us to talk about next by emailing us at [email protected]! 

 Next Tuesday, we explore the importance of happiness and give action steps you can take today to improve your happiness. Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, identifying needs vs. wants, boundaries, managing family relationships, and so much more!

For more updates and helpful resources, follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipInsideOutllc!

Some links related to this episode:
1. Reach Out: How To Help Someone At Risk Of Suicide
2. Predictors of Future Suicide Attempt Among Adolescents with Suicidal Thoughts or Non-Suicidal Self-Harm
3. How and Why the 5 Steps Can Help
4. Seeking Help for Suicidal Thoughts  
5. Those in the U.S. should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline is available 24 hours a day and the help provided is free and confidential. It is accessible in both English and Spanish (for Spanish, call 1-888-628-9454).

One of life’s greatest challenges: chronic illness. Illness can strike at any point in life and at any point in our relationships. When we or our partner are diagnosed with a chronic illness, life can get flipped upside down. Our expectations are often challenged, and our emotions may go all over the map. What we envisioned for our life and our relationship may be shattered, leading to anxiety, grief, anger, fear, confusion, uncertainty, and so many more complex feelings.  

When facing chronic illness, partners may struggle with how to best proceed in supporting their partner. They may ask themselves many questions, including: How do I support my partner without patronizing them? Do I need to change my behaviors and choices to accommodate their new needs? How can I tell my partner that I am scared, grieving, confused, sad, or anxious about the diagnosis? What does this mean for my future and our future as a couple? Let us help give a little guidance and support. 

Join us as we discuss the challenges of facing chronic illness individually and as a couple. We offer some suggestions to expand your support and ways to reduce the negative ripple effects that chronic illness can have within our lives. There is no set roadmap in navigating this journey, but we are hopeful that we can provide some clarity and helpful insights to make the journey a little bit easier.

If you find this episode, or any of our other episodes, helpful to you, please share with those that you love! Let us know what you think about what you want us to talk about next by emailing us at [email protected]!

Next Tuesday, we bring in another guest to breakdown crisis intervention and supporting our loved ones in crisis. Later topics include: parenting, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, identifying needs vs. wants, boundaries, managing family relationships, and so much more!

 For more updates and helpful resources, follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipsInsideOutllc!

Some recourses related to this episode:
1. Chronic Illness and Relationships 
2. 7 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Strong Despite a Chronic Illness
3. How to Cope When Your Partner Has a Chronic Illness

“Everything has to be perfect, including me.”
“I made a mistake. I am such a failure.”
“I don’t try new things, because I am afraid I am going to fail.”
“I don’t deserve praise or to feel good.”
“I am unworthy of love, support, or acknowledgement.”
“I am never good enough."

 Do you say any of these to yourself? Do you see yourself as inadequate or insufficient? Do you compare yourself to others, often thinking of yourself as less than or worse than other people? Do you hold yourself to incredibly high standards but give other people grace? Do you hold yourself back, so you don’t fail? This is what we call, “perfectionism.”

 Join us as we breakdown perfectionism, including warning signs that we are battling it, potential ripple effects of perfectionism, and ways to overcome it. We all make mistakes, even that perfect Instagram model we strive to become or that highly wealthy CEO that we emulate. We are ALL worthy, and we ALL deserve grace, including you! Let us help you on your journey to breaking the chains of perfectionism, instead embracing self-compassion and self-forgiveness, 

If you find this episode, or any of our other episodes, helpful to you, please share with those that you love! Let us know what you think about what you want us to talk about next by emailing us at [email protected]! 

Next Tuesday, we explore the challenges for relationships when facing chronic illness, including tools to overcome the trails that may arise. Later topics include: addressing crisis, navigating finances as a partnership, self-acceptance, compassion in couples, identifying needs vs. wants, boundaries, managing family relationships, and so much more!

For more resources and updates, you can also follow us on Facebook at @RelationshipsInsideOutLLC!

Some resources related to this episode:
1. 10 Signs of Perfectionism
2.  Perfectionism
3. How to Conquer Perfectionism Before it Conquers You
4. The Thought Process Underlying Perfectionism