2879: Why Break Ups Hurt So Much by Dr. Lisa Firestone of Psych Alive on Heartbreak Recovery

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Episode 2879:

Dr. Lisa Firestone explores why breakups can feel emotionally devastating, even in relationships that were already distant or unsatisfying, by uncovering the hidden role of the "fantasy bond." She explains how we often mourn the illusion of safety and identity we built within the relationship rather than the actual connection, and how facing this truth can help us heal, grow, and find real intimacy.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.psychalive.org/why-break-ups-hurt-so-much/

Quotes to ponder:

"A fantasy bond is a term developed by my father, psychologist Robert Firestone, to describe an imagined connection a person develops to another person, thereby creating an illusion of security or false sense of safety."

"When we break up with someone, and we are willing to let go of this illusion of connection, we might find that we are far less devastated by the separation."

"You're not losing your identity by losing your relationship. You may even be opening up a door to get to know yourself better."