pixel
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.

Share this episode on:

Support the Podcast

Special Offers from Our Sponsors

Quince

Level up your bedding with Quince. Go to Quince.com/BEINGWELL for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.

DonorsChoose

Go to https://DonorsChoose.org/BEINGWELL to find a classroom near you and have your gift matched today.

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.

Healing Insecure Attachment

5-Week Course on Having More Secure Relationships: Starts June 13th

Learn your attachment style(s), heal old wounds, and build more secure, satisfying relationships.

Just One Minute - Best Well-Being Courses

Build a Happier, Healthier Mind in Just a Minute or Two a Day

57 Practical, Positive Ways to Feel Better Now

Get Rick’s Free Weekly Newsletter

Get a weekly practice and the latest Being Well Podcast delivered right to your inbox.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name

Ask Rick and Forrest a Question!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Recent Episodes