2879: Why Break Ups Hurt So Much by Dr. Lisa Firestone of Psych Alive on Heartbreak Recovery
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Release Date: 01/24/2026
![2892: [Part 2] How Goals and Intentions Help With Grief by Reid Peterson of Grief Refuge on Purpose After Loss show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/197759720?height=50&width=50)
2892: [Part 2] How Goals and Intentions Help With Grief by Reid Peterson of Grief Refuge on Purpose After Loss
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2892: Reid Peterson explores how setting gentle goals and flexible intentions can provide structure and emotional relief during the grieving process. By focusing on life-affirming goals and moment-to-moment intentions, grievers can create space for healing without pressure or judgment. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Listing out 5 life focused goals will help sustain some balance in your grieving process." "It’s easy...
info_outline![2891: [Part 1] How Goals and Intentions Help With Grief by Reid Peterson of Grief Refuge on Purpose After Loss show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/197759610?height=50&width=50)
2891: [Part 1] How Goals and Intentions Help With Grief by Reid Peterson of Grief Refuge on Purpose After Loss
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2891: Reid Peterson offers a compassionate take on why traditional SMART goals often fall short during the grieving process. Instead of pushing for progress, he encourages a more intuitive approach, like creating a personal sanctuary, to allow emotions to be safely processed without pressure or timelines. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Most people impacted by grief say that Smart goals don’t work so well. They feel...
info_outline
2890: Love Vs. Attachment by Tonya Lester on Healthy Relationships
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2890: Tonya Lester challenges the common misconception that intense emotional entanglement equals love, revealing how unhealthy attachments and trauma bonds can masquerade as romantic connection. She outlines clear signs of emotional maturity versus toxic cycles, encouraging listeners to choose relationships that support well-being over those rooted in fear and dysfunction. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Unhealthy...
info_outline
2889: 3 Things People Don’t Get About Me as an Introvert by Janet Anthony with Introvert Dear on Personality Differences
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2889: Janet Anthony unpacks three common misconceptions that introverts often face: being mislabeled as shy, seen as antisocial, or assumed to dislike talking. Her reflections challenge stereotypes and invite extroverts to better understand the nuanced inner world of introversion, where solitude, depth, and meaningful conversations thrive. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Shyness is the fear of negative judgment,...
info_outline
2888: Slow Down Your Life Through the Magic of First Moments by Jay and Heather Harrington of Life and Whim on Mindful Living
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2888: Jay and Heather Harrington reveal how embracing novelty and creating “first moments” can help slow the perceived passage of time and make life feel fuller. Drawing on neuroscience and personal stories, they show that by intentionally breaking routines and seeking new experiences, we can deepen our memories and enrich our everyday lives. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: “There’s no reason that the majority of...
info_outline
2887: Can Our Children's View of the Bully Be Tied to Their Future Success? By Allison Carmen on Resilience
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2887: Allison Carmen reflects on how early experiences with bullies can shape a child’s self-perception and future confidence, revealing that true strength lies in compassion, not control. By teaching children to recognize the fear behind cruelty, they can reclaim their inner power, avoid intimidation, and build a foundation for lasting success grounded in empathy and self-assurance. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder:...
info_outline
2886: 5 Surefire Ways to Stop Losing it With Your Kids by Adina Soclof of Parenting Simply on Calm Parenting
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2886: Adina Soclof offers a compassionate and practical guide for parents struggling with anger and frustration. By learning new communication strategies, recognizing emotional triggers, and using mindful self-talk, parents can strengthen their relationships with their children and reduce guilt-driven blowups. Her tools empower families to build emotional awareness, resilience, and healthier daily dynamics. Read along with the original article(s) here: ...
info_outline
2885: Video Games Aren't To Blame by Jenny Lee of Hello Brio on Modern Parenting
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2885: Jenny Lee reflects on the first real parenting break in years, as her kids finally entertain themselves, thanks to Minecraft and a finished basement. In this honest and humorous piece, she explores the balance between tech-fueled quiet and human connection, reminding us that even in the digital age, what kids truly crave is time with us. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Toddlers’ life energy comes to a peak and...
info_outline
2884: What Are Healthy Relationship Boundaries? by Dr. Diana Kirschner of Love In 90 Days on Mutual Respect
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2884: Dr. Diana Kirschner offers a compassionate and practical guide to establishing healthy boundaries that strengthen relationships and preserve individuality. By learning to say no, claim personal space, and communicate needs with love, you'll reduce conflict, avoid co-dependence, and create deeper intimacy and mutual respect. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "You don’t need to go on and on justifying why you are...
info_outline![2883: [Part 2] How I Finally Let Go Of My Ex – The Last Step by Eddie Corbano of Love's A Game on Moving Forward show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/197557900?height=50&width=50)
2883: [Part 2] How I Finally Let Go Of My Ex – The Last Step by Eddie Corbano of Love's A Game on Moving Forward
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2883: Eddie Corbano shares the powerful final chapter of his breakup recovery, a bold decision to attend his ex’s wedding as a way to test his emotional freedom. His story illustrates the true meaning of letting go, offering insight into how reclaiming your power and facing your fears can mark the beginning of genuine healing and freedom from past attachments. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Whether it's time or not...
info_outlineDiscover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.
Episode 2879:
Dr. Lisa Firestone explores why breakups can feel emotionally devastating, even in relationships that were already distant or unsatisfying, by uncovering the hidden role of the “fantasy bond.” She explains how we often mourn the illusion of safety and identity we built within the relationship rather than the actual connection, and how facing this truth can help us heal, grow, and find real intimacy.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.psychalive.org/why-break-ups-hurt-so-much/
Quotes to ponder:
"A fantasy bond is a term developed by my father, psychologist Robert Firestone, to describe an imagined connection a person develops to another person, thereby creating an illusion of security or false sense of safety."
"When we break up with someone, and we are willing to let go of this illusion of connection, we might find that we are far less devastated by the separation."
"You’re not losing your identity by losing your relationship. You may even be opening up a door to get to know yourself better."