Basket Case Boyfriend

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.