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Why Relationships Make Us Feel Like Children Again

August 3, 2026 · 52 min

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Why do our deepest relationship conflicts have the power to make us feel like children again? In this episode, we explore how interactions with partners and family members can activate old attachment wounds, causing us to regress into familiar patterns like protesting, people-pleasing, shutting down, or pulling away. We also discuss why healing can initially make these dynamics feel even harder—and how therapy, co-regulation, boundaries, and greater self-awareness can help us respond from our adult selves and create healthier relationships.

In this episode:

  • Childhood Attachment Wounds
  • Regressive Relationship Patterns
  • Protest and Shutdown
  • Healing Through Therapy
  • Practicing Co-Regulation
  • Becoming Your Adult Self

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