In this episode of Playdate, I sit down with relationship coach Charlie Kieswetter (@healingwithcharlie), for one of the most honest, eye-opening, and deeply personal conversations I’ve had on the podcast. We dive into the emotional patterns that shape our relationships — attachment styles, relationship anxiety, narcissistic abuse, trauma bonding, and what it actually takes to heal and build a healthy relationship. This isn’t just a conversation about love, it’s about why we love the way we do, why we sometimes stay when we know we shouldn’t, and how we can start choosing differently.

We talk about the push and pull between anxious and avoidant dynamics, the confusion & clarity between intuition and anxiety, and why emotional unavailability can feel more exciting than real, stable love. We unpack the reality of narcissistic relationships - how they affect your sense of self, why leaving is so hard, and what true healing actually looks like on the other side. Charlie shares not just insight, but practical tools on building secure attachment, navigating no contact, breaking trauma bonds, and learning how to feel safe in love again.

For anyone who has ever questioned their worth in a relationship, struggled to trust again, or found themselves repeating the same patterns with different people, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, that your past does not disqualify you from healthy love, and that understanding yourself is the first step to changing everything.

I hope this episode brings you solace and comfort wherever you are in your journey. Whether that be healing, learning, or starting over; just know that you are not behind. You are becoming more aware, more intentional, and more aligned with the kind of love you truly deserve.

Welcome to your next Playdate – conversations you don’t rush.

Topics we cover:

• The 4 attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, fearful-avoidant)
• Relationship anxiety vs intuition
• Narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, and trauma bonding
• Why we stay in unhealthy relationships
• Emotional unavailability & modern dating
• Healing patterns and building self-worth
• No contact, breakups, and starting over