Wounded Boy, Healed Man
Wounded Boy, Healed Man is a journey into the depths of healing, exploring how personal challenges and past wounds shape who we become. Through honest conversations and insights, this podcast offers a space for reflection, resilience, and growth, especially for those navigating mental and emotional wellness.
Wounded Boy, Healed Man
Ep. 10 - Are You in Love or Just Obsessed? Understanding Limerence
Episode Teaser:
Have you ever chased a love so intense you thought it could fix everything, only to find it broke you instead? Or looked back on a relationship and wondered if it was love at all—or something else entirely? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on limerence, the obsession hiding behind so many of our cultural love stories. We’ll explore how this phenomenon shapes our lives, why we glorify it, and how to break free. If you’ve ever felt consumed by love, this episode might just change the way you see it forever.
00:00 – Introduction
Why this episode has been on my heart for years and why limerence is an idea so many are still unaware of.
02:25 – Why Do We Obsess Over Romantic Love?
An exploration of the cultural and psychological reasons behind humanity’s fixation on romantic love. Why do we glorify it? Why does it consume us? And what does it mean when reality doesn’t live up to the stories we’ve been sold?
04:48 – The Role of Big Media Companies
From Hallmark to Disney, we dive into how corporate giants shaped our ideals of romance. How did they transform love into a product to sell? And what does this mean for the way we experience love in real life?
11:41 – The Historical Record of Limerence
A look at Dorothy Tennov’s groundbreaking research, the coining of the term 'limerence,' and why this idea has stayed in the shadows of popular culture.
16:01 – Negative Consequences of Limerence
An eye-opening breakdown of how limerence can wreak havoc on emotional stability, relationships, and mental health. If you think limerence isn’t affecting you, this list might make you think twice.
18:29 – Dissecting Romantic Moments in Popular Media
Let’s take iconic romantic stories, like Beauty and the Beast, Titanic, and Friends, and flip the script. We’ll explore the unhealthy dynamics they glorify and imagine what their endings would look like in real life—with all the messy, complex fallout.
24:36 – Personal Story: Obsession with a Friend
A deeply personal reflection on how limerence played out in my own life and what I learned about love, friendship, and healing along the way.
27:06 – Self-Care as the Antidote
If you’re wondering how to tell the difference between love and limerence, here’s the truth: it all starts with self-love. Learn how self-care can be your guide to healthier relationships and a more grounded understanding of love.
30:39 – Closing Reflection
This episode may have challenged the way you think about love—and that’s okay. Growth begins with questioning. Let’s embrace the discomfort, rebuild, and move forward with clarity and compassion.
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