Strategic Self vs Authentic Self: Navigating Platonic Intimacy, Attachment Styles, & Romantic Partnerships with Kristine Munro (Part 1)

In this episode, I take you behind the curtain with a very open and honest chat with my bestie, Kristine Munro about the friendship we have built over the years that has truly healed and changed me.We talk about what it means to choose your authentic self over the strategic self: the one that stays quiet, plays small, and tries to keep everything “safe” - and how platonic intimacy is the gateway to understanding and healing relationship dynamics.We touch on vulnerability, emotional safety, and triggers in friendships, and the importance of understanding your attachment style in the context of nurturing connections, both platonically and romantically. This conversation is a deep reminder that we are all mirrors to one another and that the relationship you have with yourself shapes every other relationship in your life.It’s about healing in real time, being seen more fully, and letting love challenge you into growth.Highlights:(02:10) - Strategic Self vs Authentic Self and knowing the difference in relationships(9:00) - Where Kristine triggers me and how it reflects in my romantic relationship(16:30) - Love as a threat when it comes to attachment styles(20:05) - Healing through giving love in the way we didn’t receive growing up(22:15) - Why Kristine pulled away in our friendship and what it actually meant(26:30) - Conscious friendships as a testing ground for romantic relationships & challenge as love(30:35) - Building safety to expand your capacity for intimacy(34:20) - How my friendship with Kristine has continued building my secure attachment in relationshipListen to Kristine Munro’s podcast, Crystal Clear:On AppleOn SpotifyResources:Join SJ’s 2027 Winter Writing Retreat: Earlybird pricing happening Now with 15% off using code WINTER15Follow SJ on InstagramDownload the Free Identity WorkbookGrab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here. Buy The Less Effect on AmazonFollow Landon Hail Press on InstagramDownload the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring AuthorsBook A Free Consultation with Landon Hail PressThis Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio