[Watch on YouTube.]
In this episode, Hayes answers three letters from women who feel like they (and their feelings, boundaries, and bodies) are too much. We explore the question: is it selfish...or is it self-worth? Letter one features a man who insists on being besties with his exes. Letter two, from someone whose boyfriend told her he's losing attraction towards her because of her weight gain. (If you're uncomfortable with the topic of weight, feel free to skip to letter 2. Timestamp in the description!) And letter three is from a soon-to-be 21-year old whose boyfriend...doesn't "get" birthdays. Enjoy!
00:00 Introduction
00:25 The question of being “too much”
02:55 Overview of the 3 letters
03:56 Empathy and expectations for letter writers
06:54 Letter 1: “Not so chill girlfriend”
09:06 Having a reaction making you “not chill”
11:12 Unpacking the boyfriend details
17:32 Insecurities vs something to be insecure about
28:56 Letter 2: “Body size and attraction”
29:54 Angry about perceptions of weight
31:36 You are desirable
35:57 Coming back with better tools
37:50 Referencing “Fatphobia Is Not A Sexual Preference by Sonalee Rashatwar”
39:44 Reality of body changes
42:33 Sample script
44:55 Letter 3: “Birthday ‘brat’”
46:51 Being celebrated & celebrating others
49:26 Expectations and flexibility
52:14 Storytime when my birthday was ruined by a man
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