Are You Overfunctioning in Your Relationship? The Hidden Cost of “Borrowed Functioning”

DescriptionMany couples unknowingly fall into a pattern where one partner overfunctions while the other underfunctions. It can feel stable—but it often comes at the cost of authenticity, connection, and intimacy.In this episode of Differentiated Love & Sex, psychotherapist Jackie Aston and relationship coach Catherine Roebuck explain the concept of borrowed functioning and how it shapes relationship dynamics.You’ll learn:Why people take on “one-up” or “one-down” rolesHow these roles often come from childhood relationship patternsWhy relationships can feel threatened when one partner grows or changesHow borrowed functioning can prevent partners from truly feeling chosenWhat it takes to build a mature, equal partnershipThis episode is for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of relationship patterns, differentiation, and long-term intimacy.