The holidays have a way of turning up the volume on codependency — expectations, guilt, fear of disappointing others, and the pressure to “just make it work.” In this honest holiday wrap-up, Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud review what actually helped, what didn’t, and how clear communication became the difference between resentment and relief. From navigating COVID plans to managing adult kids’ expectations, this episode offers real-life examples of boundaries in action — imperfect, human, and effective.Takeaways

• Clear communication prevents resentment — even when it feels uncomfortable

• Being honest about what you want doesn’t make you selfish

• Boundaries work best when you release the need to control others’ reactions

• Avoiding discomfort creates long-term emotional “ick”

• Holidays don’t require self-abandonment to be meaningful

Key Timestamps

• [00:01:00] Why being “wishy-washy” fuels codependency

• [00:02:30] Navigating COVID, family expectations, and guilt

• [00:04:00] Saying what you want without managing others’ feelings

• [00:06:30] Holiday spirals and parental guilt

• [00:07:30] Choosing clarity over emotional chaos

Notable Resources

• Dr. Sarah Michaud — Author of Co Crazy

• Follow @leavingcrazytown on YouTube

• Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com/

If this episode resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s still unpacking their holiday “stuff.”

Leaving CrazyTown is a raw, real-talk podcast hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud, two recovering addicts turned relatable guides on the wild ride of codependency healing. Each episode dives deep into the chaos of dysfunctional relationships, identity loss, and emotional recovery—with humor, honesty, and hope. Subscribe and buckle up—we’re leaving CrazyTown.