S6 Episode 12: Our Journey to Becoming Romancipated

Episode Summary

The journey to becoming Romancipated is one that is empowering and unique to each individual’s experience. No one relationship type is the “right” relationship because every person has their own sets of wants, needs and expectations. We are all dynamic beings and every partnership is a work in progress.

However, every person in a romantic partnership should feel respected and cherished. Self-preservation is key. Never forget that everybody, no matter who you are, no matter who you love, the most important person is you. You've got to believe in yourself. You've got to protect yourself. You've got to understand that having any kind of romantic relationship happens on many different levels. It happens on an emotional level, but it also happens on an intellectual level and it has to happen on a practical level.

Everyone deserves a relationship that is based on respect, trust, empathy, personal responsibility, accountability, communication, boundaries and acceptance.

Thank you to all of our loyal listeners. Use Romancipation as a resource and pass it on to those you think can benefit from our perspective. We hope you have enjoyed listening and that you continue on your own journey to becoming Romancipated.

Show Notes

It’s been an incredible ride, but we’ve now come to the final episode of Romancipation. This podcast and the topics discussed throughout have been insightful, empowering, and even challenging at times as they’ve opened opportunities for self-reflection. It’s bittersweet that this show is coming to a close.

When this podcast concept first came to be, the concepts of boundaries, empathy, respect, trust, and acceptance were of the utmost importance. This isn’t just for the role they play in romantic relationships, but for all relationships. Being able to take these ideas and put them out into the universe has been amazing.

So many people struggle with romantic relationships. Yet, these relationships drive us forward in our lives, and as humanity. No one relationship is the “right” relationship—we all have our own wants, needs, and expectations. Furthermore, we’re all works-in-progress. Understanding what these are and checking in as they evolve can help us create healthy relationships.

At the end of the day, the most important person you’ll ever connect with is yourself. That’s why self-preservation is a pillar of Romancipation. You should always protect yourself on all levels. What’s great about these episodes is you can revisit them anytime as a reference or guide to help you through your relationships.

You are dynamic, and you do have the ability to change what happens in your life. You can’t change another person, but you always have control over your decisions every single day. And, every small decision you make adds up quickly and can change your life, including your romantic relationships. If you loved these episodes, pass them on to other people you know who will love them too.

Please make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you can receive notifications of new episodes right when they are released. Also, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Visit us at www.romancipation.com

S6 Episode 11: Science Says High Self-Esteem is the Greatest Predictor of a Stable Romantic Relationship

Episode Summary

High self-esteem is a key ingredient to a happy life. When you love yourself, you know your worth and are able to set healthy boundaries. People with a strong sense of self-worth do not allow others to mistreat them. They are comfortable communicating their wants and needs and are realistic about their expectations for a romantic relationship.

Moreover, self-esteem plays a large part in self-confidence. Individuals who believe in themselves tend to be naturally confident which is a very attractive trait. As a result, they have more options for romantic partners and are seen as more desirable mates.

In many ways, robust self-esteem is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you believe you deserve to be treated with respect, you will behave in a manner that demands respect. As a result, you will receive respect from other people, which only reinforces the idea that you deserved it in the first place. When you love yourself, it is easier for others to love you.

At the end of each episode, Marlee and Lis vent about commonly experienced issues in romantic relationships. In this episode, the ladies discuss the insulting situation when one partner tells the other to “calm down” when they are angry or upset.

Show Notes

High self-esteem isn’t emphasized as much as it should be in a healthy relationship. When you have a good sense of self-worth and you recognize your value, you’re confident in what you offer your partner. It also makes you clear about your expectations and what you deserve. People with high self-esteem are typically accurate and truthful about who they are.

A person who likes themselves sets healthy boundaries. They are also often immediately liked and respected by others. They don’t require a lot of reassurance or handholding. A person with high self-esteem never settles and can typically find more opportunities for romantic partnerships.

On the other hand, if you have low self-esteem, you may let people treat you poorly. Your expectations and standards may be low because that’s how you view yourself. A Romancipated person cares about self-preservation and doesn’t settle for anything less than they deserve. You are in charge of your life, so you owe it to yourself to value your worth.

Most people who have strong self-esteem are very well rounded. They have lots of elements and layers to who they are. They’re comfortable being alone, and they can exist in conflict without shutting down. They’re engaging and communicative. These qualities tend to make them ideal partners in romantic relationships.

In this episode, the vent session topic is: When your partner tells you to calm down when you are angry or upset. Never has telling someone to “chill out” or “calm down” actually worked. It’s just another way of telling someone to shut up. It’s a phrase often used against women to reduce them to irrational hysterics. It’s infuriating, disrespectful, and counterproductive.

Please make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you can receive notifications of new episodes right when they are released. Also, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Visit us at www.romancipation.com

S6 Episode 10: Be a Relationship Superhero: The Power of an Apology

Episode Summary

We all have a super-power that we can choose to use for good; the ability to sincerely apologize. There are no three words more powerful than “I am sorry”. This is especially true when you accept responsibility and are sincere.

It is natural to have conflict with your partner. Every person has said something they regret, made a mistake or used poor judgement in the course of a romantic relationship. The important thing is what you do after the fact. The ability to acknowledge that you wronged your partner and be willing to take responsibility is the only way to move forward. Recognize that, by not apologizing, you are weakening your bond and destroying intimacy.

A sincere apology makes your partner feel validated and respected. It also fosters an environment of vulnerability and empathy. Couples that are able to apologize to one another and not repeat the behavior are much more likely to be able to work through difficult situations and not cast blame. However, if you do not believe you owe your partner an apology, don’t fake it, because disingenuous behavior plants the seed of resentment.

At the end of each episode, Marlee and Lis vent about commonly experienced issues in romantic relationships. In this episode, the ladies discuss the unhealthy situation when one partner controls the finances in the relationship.

Show Notes

Apologies are so important, which is why they truly need their own episode. Apologizing is one of the most powerful things you can do in a relationship. A sincere apology has three parts: An acknowledgement of wrongdoing, taking personal responsibility for causing it, and offering a sincere statement.

Another part of apologizing is not intentionally repeating the harmful action again. You should actively work to not repeat the behavior, and this respect should go both ways in a relationship. When your partner communicates that they feel wronged, you should be able to own up to it and apologize.

If you don’t apologize with sincerity, it can hold the hurt person back from being able to move on. If you can’t admit what you did wrong, you’re essentially denying the person’s feelings. Not apologizing because you don’t believe you will be granted forgiveness right away is dismissive and destructive.

If you truly don’t think you’re in the wrong, don’t apologize. The only thing worse than no apology is an insincere one. But here’s the thing: Just because you didn’t see the behavior as insulting doesn’t mean everyone agrees with your worldview. You have to be willing to accept another person’s perspective, show empathy, and apologize accordingly.

In this episode, the vent session topic is: When people allow their partner to control what they spend their money on. This is a common issue in relationships, but it’s also a very disturbing behavior. The person controlling the finances is usually trying to control their partner. It’s a violation of healthy boundaries and signals a power imbalance. Healthy communication about money is crucial in a relationship.

Please make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you can receive notifications of new episodes right when they are released. Also, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Visit us at www.romancipation.com