941: Yearning for Abusive Ex Leaves You Perplexed | Feedback Friday

Abusive Ex

Jordan Harbinger and Gabriel Mizrahi discuss the complexities of wanting to reconnect with an abusive ex. They highlight the ex's unresolved trauma and toxic family dynamics, which make rekindling the relationship a bad idea 1. Gabriel suggests that the listener's therapy might have been too narrow, focusing only on healing from the relationship rather than addressing deeper personal patterns 2.

This woman has a lot of work to do on herself. A lot. She should not be fixating on you.

--- Jordan Harbinger

They emphasize the importance of ongoing therapy to understand these patterns and avoid repeating mistakes.

   

Family Trauma

The hosts delve into how dysfunctional family dynamics contribute to toxic relationships. Gabriel Mizrahi recounts the story of an estranged sister who escaped a narcissistic stepfather, highlighting the deep-seated trauma within the family 3. Jordan and Gabriel discuss the bizarre and disturbing behaviors of the ex's family, including extortion and grandiose lies 4.

The night she brought our friend home to meet her parents for the first time, she was bringing him home to meet her literal abuser.

--- Gabriel Mizrahi

These family issues often make it difficult for individuals to seek therapy and address their own trauma.

   

Domestic Abuse Bias

Jordan and Gabriel discuss the stereotypes and biases that affect the perception of domestic abuse cases involving men. They point out how societal biases often overlook male victims of domestic abuse, leading to unjust outcomes 5. Gabriel emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding both sides of a story, even when it involves complex and painful situations 6.

Empathizing with somebody, that doesn't necessarily mean taking their side in every respect.

--- Jordan Harbinger

They stress that empathy involves appreciating why someone has their perspective and offering them the truth, even if it's hard to hear.