Jackie opens up about the early emotional challenges — jealousy, uncertainty, and sensory overwhelm — that arose when playing apart for the first time. John shares his own perspective on fear, safety concerns, and learning to trust both Jackie and the strength of their relationship. Together, they explain how habit, communication, and positive reinforcement transformed something intimidating into something normalized and secure.

 

This episode emphasizes that playing alone isn't about rushing past fear — it's about moving thoughtfully, honoring boundaries, and allowing trust to build through lived experience. John and Jackie remind listeners that readiness looks different for every couple, and that growth happens when fear is acknowledged, not avoided.

 

🔑 Key Insights:

 

Playing alone can initially trigger jealousy, fear, and insecurity

 

These emotions often lessen through experience and repetition

 

Habituation helps normalize separate play over time

 

Communication and check-ins build safety and reassurance

 

Positive experiences reinforce trust and emotional resilience

 

Not all fears need to be pushed through immediately

 

Boundaries and pacing are essential to emotional safety

 

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – What "playing alone" really means

01:30 – Initial fears and emotional reactions

03:00 – Sensory overload and lack of reference points

04:30 – Building comfort through repetition and habit

06:00 – Communication, boundaries, and check-ins

07:30 – Walking through fear at your own pace

08:30 – Closing thoughts and encouragement

 

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Like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments — what fears or questions come up for you when thinking about playing alone?

 

 

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