The Terri Cole Show

Do you reluctantly agree to things you’d rather not do because you don’t know how to say no? When you’re annoyed about something, do you say everything is FINE rather than saying what’s bothering you? Do you also tend to judge someone if they don’t pick up on how you really feel? In these situations, there’s an expectation that people will intuit our true emotions from the clues we drop.  However, relying on indirect communication can cause stress and resentment in our relationships because how we feel isn’t always apparent to others, even if we feel like it is. The solution is authentic and direct communication, which is usually less comfortable, and why we often act rather than talk things out!  I want to empower you to choose to talk and assert your needs, which is what this episode is about. I’ll cover why we find it hard to speak our minds, why we may find it easier to judge and blame others, and ideas for being more authentic in our communication. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/682

Today I’m chatting with Jillian Turecki about her new book, It Begins with You: The 9 Hard Truths About Love That Will Change Your Life. She shares how acceptance and shared vision for the future can help you create a lasting love, how to tell if your partner isn’t right for you, and some hard truths that will help you get unstuck in love and life. Plus, she answers a question that could change how you approach dating: In order to love someone in a healthy way, do you need to love yourself first? Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/681

Are you overly invested in the feeling states, situations, careers, circumstances, and relationships of the people in your life, to the detriment of your own internal peace? So invested, that setting and maintaining boundaries feels selfish or impossible? If so, you’re not alone, and this episode is for you. I’m looking at the Boundary Boss Bill of Rights from my first book, but through the lens of high-functioning codependency because that’s what my newest book, Too Much, is all about!  For high-functioning codependents (HFCs) who are used to giving, setting boundaries can be challenging, but they’re essential to our relationships. These boundary rights can serve as transformative tools for breaking free from the cycle of over-giving, people-pleasing, and self-abandonment so prevalent in HFCs. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/680

Today John and I are doing something new for the show– We’re both interviewing each other for our own podcasts, at the same time! We jam on how breakups create the perfect conditions for reflection, how high-functioning codependency interferes with healthy relationships, and the ultimate purpose of love. Plus, I share some details about how I turned to the web to help more people over a decade ago! Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/679