LET US BECOME SHARPER/TNS PODCAST

The Thin Line Between Love and Clingy

• CJ

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Have you ever felt suffocated by someone who just couldn't give you enough space? Or maybe you've been the person constantly checking in, wondering why your partner seems distant when you're just showing how much you care? This raw, unfiltered conversation tackles the delicate balance between loving attention and unhealthy attachment.

Fresh off their Hawaiian vacation, Nina and Shay join us with renewed perspective as we dive into what happens when relationships cross the line from caring to clingy. We start by expanding our relationship vocabulary beyond just "players" and "squares" to include "lames" – those individuals who attempt what they're not qualified for, often with embarrassing results.

The women on our panel don't hold back as they share their strategies for setting boundaries with overly attached partners. "I might try to give some hints," one guest explains, "but if you don't take them, we got to get straight forward." Their candid stories range from funny to frightening – from partners who can't stop texting to those whose behavior veers into dangerous stalking territory.

What makes this episode particularly powerful are the vulnerable admissions from those who've been on both sides of the equation. "I was a clingy person before," one panelist confesses, describing how therapy helped her recognize her behavior patterns and develop healthier attachment styles. These personal revelations spark a deeper discussion about why people become clingy in the first place – usually from insecurity, fear of loss, or misguided attempts to prevent cheating.

The conversation takes unexpected turns, touching on everything from love languages to gender differences in how clinginess is perceived. There's even a lighthearted moment when the panel debates the proper pronunciation of "Hawai'i" and shares stories of relationship chaos from their younger days.

Listen now to gain insights that might transform how you approach your relationships. And remember – whether you're the one feeling smothered or the one holding on too tight – understanding where to draw the line isn't just about comfort; sometimes it's about safety.