When you shrink yourself to keep them, you lose yourself in the process.This week, Sarah and I are getting into a topic that, honestly, I wish more people were talking about: self-abandonment in relationships. We got a listener letter that really hit home — it’s from a woman caught in that all-too-familiar loop of feeling like she’s giving way more than she’s getting back. You know the drill: inconsistent texting, weirdly distant behavior, and that gut feeling that you’re trying harder than they are.As we read her letter, we unpack all the little signs of self-abandonment — saying yes when you want to say no, keeping your feelings quiet so you don’t seem “too much,” and hoping that if you’re just patient enough, they’ll change. (Spoiler: they usually don’t.)We also talk about how these patterns often come from early life experiences (yes, I got personal — I shared a story about my own father that really shaped the way I viewed love and approval). If you’ve ever found yourself over-explaining, over-giving, or just plain exhausted from trying to “earn” someone’s affection, this episode is for you.Pour yourself a drink, get cozy, and let’s talk about why you deserve to stop shrinking yourself for someone else’s comfort.GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT & BONUS EPISODESWhen you become a paid subscriber, here’s what you’ll get inside our little inner circle:✨ Bi-weekly Worth the Weight episodesHonest convos about GLP-1 journeys, body image, mental health, burnout, and everything in between. No filters, no fluff — just real talk.🎙️ Monthly bonus dating advice episodeExclusively for subscribers. These aren’t your typical surface-level tips — we’re getting straight into strategy, clarity, and the stuff that actually moves the needle in your dating life.📝 Members-only essays & postsDeeper dives, personal stories, and reflections you won’t hear anywhere else. These are the posts where I pull back the curtain and really share what’s on my mind.Your support helps US create the kind of honest, no-BS content you come here for. 💛 If you’re ready for more, subscribe today; we'd love to have you. Become a paid subscriber here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dateologycoach/subscribeSUBMIT YOUR DATING QUESTIONS HERESubmit your dating questions hereTUNE IN TO OUR NEW BI-WEEKLY SEGMENT "WORTH THE WEIGHT"In our new segment, Worth the Weight, we dive into our personal experiences with GLP-1 medications, sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between. We’re getting real about why we chose to use them, how they’ve impacted our lives, and the societal pressures women face regarding beauty and weight. From unrealistic beauty standards to the stigma around weight loss, we’re unpacking it all. Join us as we challenge the narratives, explore the controversies, and navigate our journeys toward body autonomy and self-acceptance.Subscribe here for access to these members-only episodes. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dateologycoach/subscribeConnect with us:PodcastInstagramChristan’s Instagram & Threads @thechristanmTiktokYoutube