Low Stuff and Steam | #143

Trigger Warning: This episode contains a discussion including suicideSupport the boys:PATREON - http://patreon.com/secondhandtherapypodMERCH - http://secondhandtherapypod.comPsychic Source: Go to our sponsor https://trypsychicsource.com/sht10 and use our code sht10 to try up to 40 minutes with an advisor for just $19.80. That is up to a $240 value!BetterHelp: If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/secondhandtherapy for a discount on your first month of therapy. #sponsoredIf you have questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are credentialed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation, here is an overview written by the YouTube creators behind the channel Cinema Therapy that goes into these topics: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinema_therapy/comments/1dpriql/addressing_the_betterhelp_concerns_headon_deep/Southern New Hampshire University: Go to https://snhu.edu/sht to explore over 200 degree programs and find your path forward. #sponsoredhttp://vasectomyfarms.com — A portion of all profits are donated to women’s reproductive resources_____What if your “need for context” is actually just defensiveness in disguise?This week on Secondhand Therapy, Lou and Michael unpack low self-esteem, codependency, validation, people-pleasing, emotional safety, and the surprisingly complicated art of admitting when you’re wrong. A conversation about why some of us struggle to trust our own opinions, constantly look to other people for reassurance, and feel personally attacked when someone points out a mistake.Lou digs into what codependency and low self-esteem look like in everyday life—from difficulty making decisions and valuing other people’s opinions over your own to seeking praise, struggling with healthy boundaries, and needing external validation. They also explore how childhood experiences can shape confidence, emotional regulation, and the ability to process your own feelings.Meanwhile, Michael confronts his own relationship with defensiveness, accountability, perfectionism, and the instinct to explain himself whenever he feels criticized. Is providing context actually helpful—or is it just a very articulate way of avoiding “I fucked up”?The conversation gets into emotional intelligence, conflict in relationships, resentment, holding space, vulnerability, self-worth, childhood emotional neglect, processing emotions, and the difference between taking accountability and beating yourself up.And, naturally, there is an extended discussion about cereal for dinner.BUSINESS INQUIRIES: business@shtpod.comFollow us here:http://instagram.com/secondhandtherapypodhttp://tiktok.com/@secondhandtherapypodContact us:secondhandtherapypod@gmail.com818-850-2448PO BOX 230595, Las Vegas, NV 89105Cover Art Design: Louie PaolettiTheme Music: Jamie FranksTopics: low self-esteem, codependency, defensiveness, emotional intelligence, validation, people-pleasing, self-worth, accountability, emotional regulation, childhood emotional neglect, relationships, boundaries Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy