Going home for the holidays can bring up more than nostalgia for many gay people. It can activate old family roles, unspoken rules, emotional triggers, and versions of yourself you thought you outgrew.

In this episode, Dustin explores why returning to your hometown can feel so emotionally complex. From family systems that never updated, to subtle invalidations, to the tension between who you are now and who you had to be growing up, this conversation breaks down what is actually happening beneath the surface.

You’ll hear a psychological look at why going home can trigger anxiety, people pleasing, or emotional regression, how family dynamics shape what feels safe to share, and why holidays can intensify loneliness or comparison. We also talk about navigating boundaries, coping in real time, and finding grounding when home no longer feels like the place you belong.

Whether you are heading home for the holidays, thinking about it, or choosing not to go at all, this episode offers language, insight, and reassurance for navigating family, identity, and emotional safety with more clarity.

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Note: There is a blog post written about every episode that summarizes key points of episodes for easy referral and understanding of the topics discussed.

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Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver