Why did it feel so real to you, but somehow never seemed to matter the same way to them?

This episode is a deep, unfiltered examination of one-sided relationships, emotional ambiguity, and the psychological toll of loving someone who was comfortable receiving without ever fully committing. It is not a dating advice episode, and it is not a motivational talk. It is a long-form breakdown of a dynamic many people live through but struggle to explain, even to themselves.

We talk about what happens when generosity meets avoidance, when patience gets mistaken for permission, and when emotional labour is quietly extracted under the cover of hesitation, trauma, or “not being ready.” This episode explores dismissive-avoidant behaviour, intermittent reinforcement, moral injury, and the moment where confusion turns into clarity, often far too late.

If you’ve ever replayed conversations in your head, questioned your own judgment, wondered why you stayed longer than you should have, or felt embarrassed trying to explain why something that “wasn’t even a relationship” hurt so deeply, this episode is for you.

This is a two-hour, no-shortcuts conversation for people who value depth, honesty, and truth over quick fixes. It is meant to be listened to slowly. Some parts may be uncomfortable. That’s intentional.

You weren’t crazy.
You weren’t asking for too much.
You were asking the wrong person.

one sided relationship, dismissive avoidant attachment, emotional exploitation, relationship confusion, unreciprocated love, emotional labour, dating without commitment, relationship trauma, healing after a situationship, moral injury in relationships