Relationship Advice That Should Be Illegal

05/08/25 • 16 min

Ever noticed how the relationship advice we're bombarded with often feels suspiciously shallow? From the well-meaning but misguided "happy wife, happy life" to the downright toxic "if they're jealous, they must really love you," we're swimming in a sea of relationship clichés that deserve a serious reality check.
As a marriage and family therapist, I've witnessed firsthand the damage these seemingly innocent phrases can cause. In this no-holds-barred episode, I'm dismantling ten pieces of relationship advice so bad they should come with warning labels. We'll explore why "men are from Mars, women are from Venus" creates unnecessary barriers to understanding, how "just have a baby" might be the worst possible fix for relationship problems, and why the classic "love means never having to say you're sorry" couldn't be more wrong.
Beyond just identifying these toxic myths, I dig into the psychology behind why they persist and offer healthier alternatives. We'll discuss how authentic relationships require accountability instead of ego, trust instead of jealousy, and realistic expectations instead of holding out for mythical perfection. Whether you've been advised to "never go to bed angry" or told that "once a cheater, always a cheater," this episode challenges the one-size-fits-all approach that ignores human complexity.
The truth is, real relationships aren't built on catchy phrases or oversimplified rules – they thrive on mutual respect, open communication, and the courage to embrace imperfection. Subscribe now and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that their relationships deserve more than recycled rom-com wisdom. Together, let's replace these tired clichés with something more honest, nuanced, and genuinely supportive.

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Previous Episode

Weaponized Words: How We're Using Therapy Terms to Avoid Feelings

Therapy language that was once meant to foster clarity and connection has quietly shifted into a defensive tool that often creates distance rather than understanding.
• Clinical terms like "gaslighting," "toxic," "narcissist," and "trauma" are frequently misunderstood and misused in everyday conversations
• The real definition of gaslighting involves psychological manipulation that causes someone to question their reality, not simple disagreement
• "Narcissist" isn't just someone self-absorbed, but a personality disorder requiring five or more specific DSM-5 criteria
• Trauma bonding isn't connecting over similar traumas, but a psychological attachment formed through cycles of abuse and positive reinforcement
• The critical difference between boundaries (which protect) and ultimatums (which control)
• Using therapy language can become emotional avoidance when we label others instead of expressing our own vulnerable feelings
• True emotional maturity isn't about mastering vocabulary but learning to sit with discomfort and take responsibility for our reactions
• When holding space for others, focus on being present rather than analyzing or fixing them
• Before using therapy terms, ask yourself: "Am I naming a pattern or reacting to a moment?"
• One of the most healing phrases isn't clinical at all: "That sounds really hard. I'm here with you"
Visit our website at licensedandunfiltered.com and share your experiences with therapy language on our YouTube channel.

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Next Episode

Swipe Left on Politics, Not People: A Dating Guide for Divided Times

Love in politically divided times requires new approaches to communication and boundary-setting. Politics has become a central identity marker, with many seeing opposing views as moral incompatibilities rather than simple differences of opinion.
• One in two adults is estranged from a relative, with one in five citing political differences
• 22% of millennials have ended romantic relationships due to political disagreements
• 86% of Americans believe dating someone from the opposing political party has become more difficult
• Political filters on dating apps offer both benefits (value alignment, conflict reduction) and drawbacks (echo chambers, oversimplification)
• First date conversations benefit from curiosity rather than judgment
• Successful politically-mixed couples focus on shared values instead of party lines
• Key relationship strategies include setting specific boundaries, using "I" statements, and creating emotional safety
• Empathy and genuine curiosity build bridges across political differences
• Political diversity can strengthen relationships by developing tolerance and adaptability
Remember, the future isn't about everyone agreeing—it's about learning how to love through disagreement.

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💬 Liked this episode?
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🌐 Explore more:
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📲 Let’s connect:
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @licensedandunfiltered for daily insights, mini-therapy moments, and sneak peeks of upcoming guests.

📩 Have a question or topic you’d love to hear covered?
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Licensed and Unfiltered - Relationship Advice That Should Be Illegal

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:01.040

What do rom-coms , reddit threads and your aunt's Facebook advice have in common ?

Speaker 100:00:08.180

They've all dished out bad relationship advice .

Speaker 100:00:12.021

Welcome back to Licensed and Unfiltered , the podcast where therapy meets brutal honesty , and sometimes we ask questions like who keeps letting these people publish