Co-Host Jason Fierstein (https://mountaintoppodcast.com/settling) With 8 billion people in the world, how can so many of us end up settling for a woman we never really wanted to begin with? On the surface, it would seem it's all about lacking the self-esteem to believe we deserve what we want. But there's more to it than that. My guest is psychotherapist and counselor for men Jason Fierstein from Phoenix, AZ. So then, what is the psychology surrounding a guy who habitually settles? Has he bought into the mindset that women he wants are 'out of his league' and he'd better not try to 'punch above his weight'? As horrifying as it sounds, can lack of success with girls from an early age set us up for a lifetime of settling? One would think on the surface that if we believe we're settling for someone, then we must be granting her the feeling of having hit the jackpot. But Jason would tell you the reality is often very different...and extra unfortunate for everyone involved. And then there are those other weird kind of relationships where someone indeed feels like they've hit the jackpot when their partner has clearly settled, and it has nothing to do with looks at all. Is settling more common among 'Mr. Nice Guys'? What is the most common fear-based thought that traps men into a cycle of settling? Next, the ever-present question of 'emotional availability' came up yet again. Does that mean you're doomed to settle no matter what? I mean, is ANY dysfunctional relationship, for that matter, necessarily a situation where either one or both partners has settled? What are the actual concrete signs of settling? And wait until you hear what I believe is the most shocking sign of all. Finally--and importantly--how can we make sure never to settle ever again? The new EduMcKayTion Substack is often hilarious and always full of surprises: https://mountaintoppodcast.com/substack

=== HELP US SEND THE MESSAGE TO GREAT MEN EVERYWHERE ===

The content in this show is NEVER generated by AI. I discovered it can't handle a joke a long time ago. Meanwhile, I'll keep the practical, actionable ideas coming as well as the entertaining part...all for free. If you love what you hear, please rate the show on the service you subscribed to it on (takes one second) and leave a review. As we say here in Texas, I appreciate you!