In this Episode of Open Late, Drea discusses the importance of believing people when they tell you who they are. She emphasizes the need to pay attention to red flags and not make excuses for someone's behavior. This principle applies not only to romantic relationships but also to friendships and family dynamics. Drea encourages listeners to cut toxic people out of their lives and surround themselves with supportive friends. By choosing their circle wisely, individuals can create healthier and more fulfilling relationships. In this Episode of Open Late: The Temptation to Change Someone Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships Choosing Your Circle Wisely Believing People When They Show You Who They Are Connect with Drea: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openlatethepodcast/  https://www.instagram.com/thedrearenee/  • Website:  https://www.openlatepodcast.com/  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@openlatepodcast/videos 3:12 We all have to ask ourselves, how are people showing up for others? What information open did they give us in the beginning? Friendships to my friends and even with our family members. If we can take a look at patterns of how they've been showing up in their lives. 6:11 So when you were on your journey of dating someone, think about what are they saying to me? How are they talking about their past relationships? How are they speaking about their families? How are they speaking about their friends? These are things that we need to take note of when we are deciding if someone should be our partners 14:21 When you do meet somebody, that's your match. That is sometimes, especially for people that are coming from this long history of toxic relationships. It can be scary. It can be scary. But there is beauty and joy in having a healthy relationship. Someone who's communicating with you, someone who cares about your day, calling you back, texting you back, all those beautiful things communicating with you, showing you that you can be seen, that you can be seen. 15:21 So if you have low self-esteem, you believe you're not worth it, you're not worth being seen. Nine times out of ten, you are going to attract and entertain a person that's going to reinforce that belief system about yourself. So we have to get right within our own worthiness, our own value. 19:48 Believe them. Don't try to figure it out. Don't try to ask them why. Don't try to make excuses for their trauma. Don't say, it's because his mom did this or it's her dad left and then all the things. No, no, no. Believe them. And if they are not interested in healing these parts of themselves, it's going to come out and their relationship with you. 20:49 This is the place of love and acceptance. The Hot mess expresses the black sheets of love. You are welcome here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices