In this episode of The Spaghetti Wall Podcast, Jason Wilcox, LCSW, and Dr. Thaen Saelee, licensed clinical psychologist, tackle a common but rarely talked-about relationship issue: What do you do when your partner has friends you don’t like?

We explore the difference between preference and control, autonomy versus enmeshment, and how negative core beliefs can quietly escalate conflict. From tolerating discomfort to setting clear boundaries, we break down when to self-reflect, when to speak up, and how to protect your relationship without asking your partner to give up their autonomy.

This episode is for couples navigating social differences, blended values, and outside influences—without sacrificing trust, safety, or connection.

Valentine’s Day has a way of turning love into pressure—and connection into conflict. In this episode of The Spaghetti Wall Podcast, Jason Wilcox, LCSW, and Dr. Tanay Lee unpack why holidays like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and birthdays so often lead to resentment, disappointment, and fights.

We explore the difference between invitations and expectations, how unspoken needs turn into silent tests, and why unmet expectations hurt so deeply. The conversation dives into negative core beliefs—like “I’m not important” or “I’m unlovable”—and how they quietly shape our reactions when our partner doesn’t show up the way we hoped.

You’ll learn how to communicate desires without making them demands, how to stop using holidays as emotional tests, and how to create connection without conditions. Whether you love Valentine’s Day, hate it, or feel anxious every time it comes around, this episode will help you approach it with clarity, compassion, and a lot less pressure.

What are the questions people really ask about relationships when they don’t know who else to turn to?

In this episode of The Spaghetti Wall Podcast, Jason Wilcox, LCSW, and Dr. Thaen Saelee, PsyD, do something a little different. We explore the top five relationship questions people ask ChatGPT—without reading the answers first.

Together, we react in real time and unpack:

1. “Is my relationship normal, or is something wrong?”
2. “How do I communicate without it turning into a fight?”
3. “Am I asking for too much… or not enough?”
4. “Why does my partner react so strongly to small things?”
5. “Should I stay, or should I leave?”

Rather than quick fixes or judgment-based answers, we focus on curiosity, emotional safety, communication patterns, and self-trust—and we compare our clinical perspectives to what AI gets right (and where it misses the mark).

If you’ve ever felt stuck, confused, or unsure about your relationship, this episode is designed to help you think more clearly, compassionately, and honestly about what you want and need.