The Final Rose — Public Breakups, Trauma Bonds, & The Fix Me Fallacy

This week on The Wrong Ones, we’re unpacking a breakup that played out in front of millions — and left behind some major lessons on relationship dynamics, trauma bonds, and the psychology of healing after public shame.

Yes, we’re talking about Rachael Kirkconnell & Matt James — from The Bachelor to After the Final Rose… to Japan… to Call Her Daddy… and everything in between.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• Why some relationships start with trauma-bonded foundations
• The Fix Me Fallacy — and how it can quietly erode our sense of self in relationships
• How future projection and unaligned actions can trap us in false hope
• The emotional labor of being "the one who stays" after public controversy
• What ambiguous loss can teach us about invisible breakups
• And why rediscovering self-worth after the wrong ones is always the greatest win

We’ll also revisit last week’s reflection question and leave you with a new one to sit with as you continue your own growth journey.

Reflection Question of the Week:

Were you fighting for connection—or for confirmation that you were worth staying for? Was it really love—or a performance for someone who made you feel like you had something to prove?

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An Operation Podcast production.