Esther Calling - I Can Break up with Him but I'm Still Stuck With Myself: Long-Distance Dating and Intimacy | Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel
On this week's episode of Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel: Esther talks with a woman who is contemplating ending her five-year long-distance relationship. She reflects on avoidant behavior, stemming from a fear of intimacy and rejection, and the complex dynamics of her family background. Esther helps her confront these deeply rooted fears, encouraging her to vocalize her needs and to realize that not everything negative is about her. The conversation opens up pathways for the woman to seek closeness and be seen, ultimately aiming to break free from a life defined by fear and distance.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Stable Ambiguity in Relationships
01:00 Caller's Background: Long-Distance Relationship Challenges
02:44 Exploring Emotional Fears and Relationship Patterns
05:41 Deep Dive: Family Influence and Personal Fears
09:16 Facing the Fear: Vulnerability and Rejection
14:01 Reflection: Needs, Criticism, and Self-Perception
21:21 Conclusion: Embracing Visibility and Asking for Needs
32:20 Closing Remarks and Production Credits
About Where Should We Begin?:
Every Monday morning, step into the office of iconic psychotherapist Esther Perel and listen in as real people in search of insight bare the raw, intimate, and profound details of their stories. From breakups and open relationships to workplace conflicts and fractures in the family, it’s a place to hear our own stories reflected in the lives of others.
About Esther Perel:
Psychotherapist, relationship expert, and New York Times bestselling author Esther Perel is recognized as one of today’s most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Fluent in nine languages, she helms a therapy practice in New York City and serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies around the world. Her celebrated TED Talks have garnered more than 40 million views and her bestselling books, Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, are global phenomena translated into more than 30 languages. Esther is also the host of the hit podcast Where Should We Begin? which is available on Apple Podcasts. Learn more at EstherPerel.com or by following @EstherPerelOfficial on Instagram.