People in committed relationships often help each other de-stress and share the
burdens of their partner. However, if one or both parties bring too many external
frustrations into the relationship, problems irrelevant to the relationship can cause
serious problems.
In this episode, Sara responds to a “Basket Case Boyfriend,” who feels powerless to
help his girlfriend cope with work troubles, and increasingly annoyed that she seems to
be taking her frustration out on him. The discussion explores when it’s helpful to help
your partner shoulder their external stressors, and when it’s harmful. Sara also goes
over communication strategies to keep extraneous issues from poisoning the
relationship.