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Why do we over-explain, justify, or get defensive—especially in our closest relationships? In this episode, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores the deeper reasons behind the urge to explain yourself, even when it doesn’t bring clarity or connection.
Drawing from her work with clients, Dr. Tracy unpacks how childhood wounds, people-pleasing, and fear of rejection often drive our need to be understood or seen as "right."
You’ll learn why this pattern is so common in romantic relationships, how it shows up as defensiveness or justification, and what to do instead to create emotional safety and deeper connection.
This episode offers compassionate insight and actionable tools to shift out of old patterns and into relational healing.
RESOURCES
Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!
Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: Take it here
Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions
Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the 30 Days to Us Challenge
Heal old wounds and build healthy interdependence with my book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” - order here!
LINKS:
OneSkin: Use code TRACY to say 15% off
Branch Basics: Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit
Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY
AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com
GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy code TRACY
AquaTru - water filter: Use promo code for TRACY for 20% off at https://aquatru.com/
ACORNS Early debit card and smart app for kids: acornsearly.com/tracy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
By Cloud104.8
173173 ratings
Why do we over-explain, justify, or get defensive—especially in our closest relationships? In this episode, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores the deeper reasons behind the urge to explain yourself, even when it doesn’t bring clarity or connection.
Drawing from her work with clients, Dr. Tracy unpacks how childhood wounds, people-pleasing, and fear of rejection often drive our need to be understood or seen as "right."
You’ll learn why this pattern is so common in romantic relationships, how it shows up as defensiveness or justification, and what to do instead to create emotional safety and deeper connection.
This episode offers compassionate insight and actionable tools to shift out of old patterns and into relational healing.
RESOURCES
Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!
Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: Take it here
Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions
Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the 30 Days to Us Challenge
Heal old wounds and build healthy interdependence with my book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” - order here!
LINKS:
OneSkin: Use code TRACY to say 15% off
Branch Basics: Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit
Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY
AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com
GoPure Beauty: Save 25% at https://gopurebeauty.com/tracy code TRACY
AquaTru - water filter: Use promo code for TRACY for 20% off at https://aquatru.com/
ACORNS Early debit card and smart app for kids: acornsearly.com/tracy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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