Relationships are very difficult because we get lost in them: they can overtake our sense of self, especially if that relationship is long term and we don’t have a lot of contact with others outside of the relationship. This is a reminder to come back into your own shoes – if we tip off balance we start to default to what someone else wants or what we think they want us to do. To the other person, this can also feel like we don’t respect ourselves. I use this metaphor often for relationships but they’re like a rubber band is around both people and we have to keep it taught by walking together, but separately. There should be equal and voluntary gift giving/taking, and if that balance has been tipped and things are growing lopsided, the most important thing you need to do is register and react to that truth. This episode has tools for getting back in touch with your sense of self and also tools for setting healthy boundaries, if you are in a situation where the other person is encouraging the enmeshment. Support this weeks sponsors! Brooklinen.com – promo code HELPMEBEME Experience the difference for yourself, and check out Brooklinen’s new fall collection! Visit in-store or online at Brooklinen.com, and use code HELPMEBEME for $20 off your online order of $100 or more. RocketMoney.com/HelpMeBeMe Rocket Money is a personal finance app that finds and cancels your unwanted subscriptions, monitors your spending, and helps you lower your bills—all in one place. Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions – and manage your money the easy way – by going to RocketMoney.com/HelpMeBeMe HelloFresh.com/50HelpMeBeMe Hello Fresh is America’s number one meal kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/50HelpMeBeMe and use code 50helpmebeme for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months! For more of my work and to make a donation, head to YayWithMe.com xo! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices