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Being Well Podcast: Anxious-Avoidant Relationships, Narcissism, and Insight to Action: Mailbag
September 1, 2025

In this episode of the Being Well Podcast, Dr. Rick and Forrest open up the mailbag to answer questions about complex situations where good process really matters, including anxious-avoidant relationships. They discuss whether to get back with an ex who has seemingly changed, relationships with someone with addictive tendencies, the difference between Narcissistic Personality Disorder and narcissistic tendencies, and why genuine change requires more than insight alone. Other topics include how much to tell your therapist, fears of being misunderstood, and how to approach meditation if you have an underlying vulnerability.

Key Topics

  • 0:00: Introduction 
  • 2:00: Should I get back with my ex?
  • 13:40: Dating someone with long-term substance use
  • 19:30: Narcissistic traits vs. narcissistic personality disorder
  • 32:40: How much research to bring into therapy
  • 39:50: Fear of being misunderstood and hyper-rationality
  • 47:40: Safe meditation practices for people at risk of depersonalization
  • 55:50: Recap

Forrest is now writing on Substack, check out his work there.

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Join Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson every week on the Being Well Podcast for lively and thought-provoking conversation and practical tips for being happier, building inner strengths, and getting the most out of life.

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