Have you ever had a revelation when someone you've known for years suddenly reveals themselves to be completely different from who you thought they were? Maybe you suddenly started spending a LOT of time with them and finally got to really KNOW them? That somewhat jarring disconnect between perception and reality forms the heart of this episode's exploration into the complicated layers of our closest relationships. And let's face it, sometimes we just give people the benefit of the doubt, right?
Drawing from a recent experience with a friend who surprised me—not in a positive way—I reflect on what happens when we discover someone isn't as intelligent, insightful, or aligned with our values as we once believed. This revelation led me to consider the implications for marriages and long-term partnerships: What if you make a lifetime commitment only to discover fundamental incompatibilities later? How well can we truly know another person before taking that leap?
My husband and I knew each other for 17.5 years before marrying, which gave us an unusually thorough understanding of each other. Yet even then, surprises emerged. This raises important questions about relationship navigation: What are your "hard nos" in a partnership? At what point does disappointment in someone's character or capabilities change how you value the relationship? These aren't just philosophical musings but practical considerations for anyone building meaningful connections. There's no one on this earth that I feel I would align with 100% but I'd like to be close, at least for a spouse.
Between updates on my upcoming interview with Leslie Berlin, tales of tax preparation woes, and excitement about our elaborate Halloween decorations (we're the first in the canyon to start setting up!), this episode marks four years of the Only Child Diaries podcast. Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and growth. What unexpected discoveries have you made about people in your life? Share your thoughts and follow along as we continue unpacking the complexities of human relationships together.
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