How to Stop Asking 'Are You Mad at Me?'
Modern Love30 Juli

How to Stop Asking 'Are You Mad at Me?'

“Am I in trouble?” “Am I secretly bad?” These are questions Meg Josephson, a therapist and author, grew up asking herself. She was constantly trying to anticipate other people’s needs, worried that she was letting other people down. And it wasn’t until she found herself standing in the aisle of a Bed Bath & Beyond, trying to remember her favorite color, that she realized her desire to please everyone was eroding her sense of self.

On this episode of Modern Love, Josephson talks about how that realization led her to confront her tumultuous childhood, and what it took to stop “people pleasing.” She reads the Modern Love essay “My Three Years as a Beloved Daughter” by Erin Brown, about a woman who found a type of love in her best friend’s parents that she had never experienced before, and what that taught her about her own parents.

Josephson’s book, “Are You Mad At Me?,” is available Aug. 5, 2025.

Read more about Meg Josephson, and how to break the habit of people pleasing, in this article by Jancee Dunn.

Here’s how to submit a Modern Love essay to The New York Times.

Here’s how to submit a Tiny Love Story.

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Avsnitt(407)

Seeing The World Through My Wife's Eyes | With David Oyelowo

Seeing The World Through My Wife's Eyes | With David Oyelowo

"Selma" star David Oyelowo reads an essay about a blind man navigating his marriage. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

8 Feb 201724min

On The Precipice, Wings Spread | With Megan Hilty

On The Precipice, Wings Spread | With Megan Hilty

Tony-nominee Megan Hilty of "Smash" and "Noises Off" reads an essay about a couple with a seemingly perfect relationship--until the other shoe drops. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

1 Feb 201720min

The Boy Who Makes Waves | With Mykelti Williamson

The Boy Who Makes Waves | With Mykelti Williamson

Mykelti Williamson of the Oscar-nominated film "Fences" reads an essay about a father's complicated love for his son. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

25 Jan 201721min

Groomzilla | With John Cho

Groomzilla | With John Cho

John Cho reads an essay about a groom gone bad. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

18 Jan 201721min

A Family That Takes 'No' For An Answer | With Darby Stanchfield

A Family That Takes 'No' For An Answer | With Darby Stanchfield

Darby Stanchfield of ABC's "Scandal," on an ordinary family hunting trip that turns into an unexpected lesson about hope. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

11 Jan 201720min

Taking A Break For Friendship | With Sela Ward

Taking A Break For Friendship | With Sela Ward

Sela Ward reads an essay about a beautiful relationship...or a friendship? Or a wanna-be friendship? Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

4 Jan 201720min

Modern Love Encore: 'A Millennial's Guide To Kissing'

Modern Love Encore: 'A Millennial's Guide To Kissing'

In this encore, Emmy Rossum reads an essay about the complexities of millennial love. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

28 Dec 201619min

Beware Of Big Boxes | With Pamela Adlon

Beware Of Big Boxes | With Pamela Adlon

Pamela Adlon of the FX series "Better Things" reads an essay about the dangers of romanticizing romantics. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

21 Dec 201623min

Populärt inom Samhälle & Kultur

podme-dokumentar
en-mork-historia
p3-dokumentar
svenska-fall
nemo-moter-en-van
skaringer-nessvold
creepypodden-med-jack-werner
killradet
flashback-forever
p1-dokumentar
rattsfallen
kod-katastrof
hor-har
historiska-brott
vad-blir-det-for-mord
fallen-som-forfoljer
p3-historia
dialogiskt
rss-sanning-konsekvens
rss-vad-fan-hande