The Psychology of Relationships

When does wanting love become needing it? For some people, relationships can become a source of obsession, validation, and emotional dependence—making it difficult to feel secure without another person. Julie & Yue are joined by Sherry Gaba, LCSW, psychotherapist and relationship addiction expert, to unpack the psychology behind love addiction and the patterns that can keep people chasing connection at the expense of themselves.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to recognize the difference between love and love addiction
Why some people become dependent on romantic validation
How low self-worth can fuel unhealthy relationship patterns
Why being alone can feel so uncomfortable
How to rebuild self-trust and a sense of wholeness

To learn more about Sherry Gaba, follow her @codependencycurious and visit www.sherrygaba.com

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What if the parts of yourself you’ve spent years trying to fix are actually connected to your greatest strengths? Julie & Yue are joined by psychotherapist and Deeper Dating author Ken Page to explore how our perceived flaws can point toward the qualities that make us most authentic, passionate, and alive. Rather than trying to become more lovable, we explore what happens when we recognize our core gifts, embrace the parts of ourselves we’ve learned to hide, and choose relationships where those qualities can truly be appreciated.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How your perceived flaws can reveal your greatest gifts
Why trying to become more lovable can backfire
How to recognize the qualities that make you uniquely you
Why authenticity can lead to stronger relationships
How to find connections where your gifts are genuinely valued
To learn more about Ken Page, follow him @deeper.dating and visit www.deeperdating.com

Want to feel more connected to your partner? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/PORSHOW

Our Sponsors:
* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com and tell them you heard about them through The Psychology of Relationships or POR to support the show!
* Talkiatry: Complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes at talkiatry.com/por

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We’re often taught that being in a relationship is the goal—but what if partnership isn’t something we need in order to have a fulfilling life? Julie & Yue are joined by Simone Milasas and Brendon Watt, co-authors of Relationship.: Are You Sure You Want One?, to challenge the idea that being partnered is inherently better than being single. After consciously uncoupling from their own long-term relationship, they share what they learned about choosing partnership, creating a meaningful life independently, and redefining what a successful relationship can look like.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why we’re so conditioned to believe we need a relationship
How to tell the difference between wanting a partner and needing one
Why a fulfilling life doesn’t have to revolve around romantic partnership
What makes a relationship genuinely enhance your life
How to choose relationships from desire and intention rather than fear or expectation

To learn more about Simone Milasas and Brendon Watt, visit www.relationshipsdonedifferent.com

Want to feel more connected to your partner? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/PORSHOW

Our Sponsors:
* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com and tell them you heard about them through The Psychology of Relationships or POR to support the show!
* Talkiatry: Complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes at talkiatry.com/por

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Attachment styles have become one of the most popular ways to understand relationships—but they’re often reduced to a few labels on social media. Julie & Yue are joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Lauren Korshak to take a closer look at what attachment theory actually tells us about love, closeness, and security. Rather than treating attachment as a fixed identity, we explore how our patterns develop, why insecurity can show up even in secure relationships, and how awareness can help us create more compassionate and connected partnerships.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What attachment theory actually tells us about relationships
How anxious and avoidant patterns develop
Why even securely attached people can feel insecure
How attachment patterns can change over time
How to use attachment as a tool rather than a label

To learn more about Lauren Korshak, visit https://www.lovewellsf.com/

Want to feel more connected to your partner? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/PORSHOW

Our Sponsors:
* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com and tell them you heard about them through The Psychology of Relationships or POR to support the show!
* Talkiatry: Complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes at talkiatry.com/por

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Money can create some of the biggest tensions in a relationship—but the conflict usually isn’t just about money. It’s about what money represents: security, freedom, control, priorities, and the future you want to build together. Julie & Yue are joined by Joe Gavazza of Gavazza Wealth Management to explore what financial compatibility really looks like and how couples can talk about spending, saving, debt, and long-term goals before they become sources of conflict.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What financial compatibility actually means beyond income
How your money mindset can shape your relationship
How to talk about spending, saving, and debt
Why financial transparency can strengthen trust
How couples can create greater alignment around their future

To learn more about Joe Gavazza, visit www.gavazza.com.

Want to feel more connected to your partner? Download Brick and get 10% off at https://www.getbrick.app/PORSHOW

Our Sponsors:
* Quince: Download the Quince App for app-exclusive offers and get free shipping and 365 day returns at https://quince.com and tell them you heard about them through The Psychology of Relationships or POR to support the show!
* Talkiatry: Complete the short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes at talkiatry.com/por

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy