In this episode of the Black Girls Heal podcast, we're having an honest conversation about something that hits deep—why we stay in relationships even when we're completely exhausted. From social media discussions to real-life experiences, we're seeing how women often find themselves caught in cycles of emotional labor and self-improvement, all while trying to make a relationship work that's draining their energy.

Through my years of coaching women, I've identified the key stages we go through in these relationships: from the initial comfort and commitment, through the stress and burnout, to the moments of clarity that finally lead to change.

In this episode, we cover…

• 09:14 Stages of relationship commitment
• 13:35 Stress and burnout in relationships
• 25:49 Emotional and physical impact of relationships
• 36:50 Resignation vs. true self-love
• 45:50 Deep self-forgiveness and trauma work

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Listen to Episode 174: Healing our Womb and Pelvic Floor with Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas: https://www.blackgirlsheal.org/podcast/174-healing-our-womb-pelvic-floor-with-dr-alicia-jeffrey-thomas
• How to Pick Partners for Love Addicts book: blackgirlsheal.org/books
• Ready to heal your Love Addiction & Love Avoidance? Join The Recovery School, my signature coaching program to help you become love balanced, love available, and fulfilled: blackgirlsheal.org/love-addiction-recovery
• Can’t find a program, freebie, or event mentioned in the podcast? Find the upgraded versions of previously announced programs and their replacements: blackgirlsheal.org/retired

Connect with us:

• Website: Blackgirlsheal.org
• Instagram: @BlackGirlsHeal
• TikTok: @blackgirlsheal
• Facebook: Black Girls Heal

Thanks for listening, and if you like what you've heard, feel free to share this episode with your friends! There are so many amazing women waiting to discover the Black Girls Heal podcast, and I'd love you to help me spread the word. Don’t forget to come back next week for the new episode.