Episode 34: The Vulnerability Flinch - Why We Pull Away From the Good Stuff

You know that feeling when something is so good - your career, your relationship, a perfect spring afternoon - that almost immediately your brain starts bracing for when it ends?? In this episode, sex & relationship therapist Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy and pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Alex DiGrado explore this concept (coined by research professor and author Brené Brown) and unpack why so many of us reflexively push away joy, connection, and positive emotion, often without even realizing it. You'll learn how staying with joy can lead to deeper connection, greater ease, and a life that feels fuller instead of scarier.What you'll learn:Why rehearsing grief doesn't make loss easier, and what one patient's early pregnancy experience reveals about embracing joy instead of preparing for heartbreakHow the vulnerability flinch plays out in couples and what it costs the relationshipThe difference between oversharing and true vulnerabilityHow to distinguish healthy self-protection (like curating your media intake) from emotional disconnectionTune in if you've ever thought:"I literally cannot just enjoy something good without immediately thinking about how it's going to fall apart."“I've been hurt before and I'm not sure I can let my guard down again.”"I love my kids so much it scares me sometimes."Helpful resources:The Power of Vulnerability - TED Talk by Brene BrownFind a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryParents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids by Dr. Rebecca Howard EudyConnect with us:Dr. Rebecca Howard EudyWebsite: rebeccaeudy.comInstagram: @rebeccahowardeudyNewsletter: Parents in Love SubstackDr. Alexandra DiGradoWebsite: bostonpelvicpt.comInstagram: @bostonpelvicptNewsletter: Under the HoodUnder the Hood PodcastInstagram: @underthehooddocsWebsite: underthehoodpod.com***Enjoyed this episode? Please follow our show, share it with a friend, or leave a review to help more people discover these important conversations - thank you!