Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

I’m sorry, but this guy was incredibly selfish and self-centered. He blew up not only his own life, but those around him. This sounds awful, but he got what he deserved. At the end of the day, she was not available. Full stop. She was in a relationship. And neither was he, but it sounds like he had one foot out the door in his relationship… which is very sad for his ex-girlfriend. This episode made me angry because it didn’t have to end that way. I had this happen to me, so I may be internalizing it a little bit. But the fact is, he blew up his own life. Now he has to live with that. Glad he called you but this guy needs a LOT more therapy! I hope he gets it.

Insightful, unique commentary we all need. You will be a healthier, stronger person thanks to Esther. I find her shows to be life changing - what a gift.

Esther is incredible as always! Powerful insights, thought-provoking questions, a timeless wisdom. I have listened to her for years! I was put on edge by the most recent episode, enough to write a review into this void that is Apple Podcasts Reviews. That man is so many red flags. He seems to lead life by his insecurities (older age, lacking job stability, not achieving traditional ideals) that he will accept most (if not any) women to accomplish his life milestones– mainly, “house, car, kids” in his words. When he referenced the woman as a mother to his children multiple times, it felt more like she was simply his means to an end, not that he was planning out their shared life with love and respect. It reeked of desperation. Huge decisions like marriage should never be led with the type of urgency this man is bringing to the table. I hope the woman will take a step back and realize that a relationship should never challenge her inner morality. That has to be the biggest red flag of all. I’m also curious to understand Esther’s neutral approach in this session. Was it because they came into it wanting to stay together, so she took on that perspective as well? I half-expected her to challenge the man’s ideologies– not because she is more “liberal” or “feminist”– but because of how these ideologies have failed him and made him more anxious.

I absolutely love Esther and this podcast. It’s a glimpse into the complexities of human emotion and relationships etc and when Esther is on her game she can intuitively peel away the layers to reveal life changing truths that people otherwise don’t realize, even those who have been in regular therapy for years. The articulate precision with which she does this is so incredible to witness. Sometimes I do wish Esther would be more blunt with people as the rare sessions don’t give as much insight or help as I’d like for the person (ie. The couple with all the differences omg that girl should run, the guy whose birth mom keeps calling him, etc). I also would love more relatable sessions with common issues so the general public could get more insight. Overall A++ podcast and such meaningful work. Thanks Esther for your wisdom.