In this conversation, Nina, Jennifer, and Emmalee explore the complexities of emotional energy, expectations in relationships, and the concept of radical acceptance. They discuss how deeply feeling individuals navigate their emotions and the impact of their partner's feelings on their own emotional state. The discussion delves into anxiety, the dynamics of partnership, and the importance of self-care and emotional management. They emphasize the need to differentiate between what we need and what we want in emotional support, ultimately advocating for self-awareness and self-care as foundational to healthy relationships. In this conversation, Jennifer Chaiken and Emmalee Bierly discuss the profound impact of childhood experiences on emotional management and self-trust. They explore the challenges of parenting in survival mode, the concept of radical acceptance versus taking action, and the complexities of adult friendships. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing emotions, navigating control in relationships, and the natural evolution of friendships over time. They emphasize the need for open communication and the significance of emotional intelligence in fostering healthy connections. 00:00: The Power of Emotional Energy 03:01: Navigating Expectations in Relationships 06:13: Understanding Radical Acceptance 08:52: The Spiral of Anxiety and Emotional Responses 12:05: The Dynamics of Partnership and Emotional Support 14:59: Self-Care and Emotional Management 17:57: The Need vs. Want in Emotional Support 24:40: Childhood Influences on Emotional Management 27:10: Survival Mode in Parenting 28:47: Radical Acceptance vs. Action 31:09: Navigating Control in Relationships 35:12: The Complexity of Adult Friendships 40:24: Grieving Friendships and Social Dynamics Emmalee Bierly & Jennifer Chaiken are both Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, co-owners of The Therapy Group, a collective of warm, authentic therapists, and co-hosts of the ShrinkChicks Podcast! They believe in being down to earth, authentic, and transparent, which are values they bring both to their practice as well as their podcast! Their mission is to make therapy more relatable and accessible, working to break down that clinical wall. Connect with Emmalee and Jennifer: The Therapy Group: www.thetherapygroup.com (Emmalee and Jen's co-owned private practice that has warm, down-to-earth, therapists accepting new clients nationwide) ShrinkChicks Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinkchicks/id1483261668 (Emmalee and Jen's weekly podcast where they discuss therapy and therapeutic topics in a relatable, accessible way) Instagram pages: @shrinkchicks and @thetherapygrp Episode Sponsor Active Skin Repair, a skin health company helping people heal with natural / non-toxic, medical grade grade ingredients. Visit activeskinrepair.com  to learn more about Active Skin Repair and to get 20% off your order, use code: MAMAKNOWS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices