Ep55 Are You Anxious Around Your Partner's Friends? Here's What to Do

Feeling insecure around your partner's friends can be a challenging yet common experience. In this episode, we navigate the intricate landscape of social anxiety, exploring why insecurities arise and how they can be effectively managed. Each discussion point is aimed at fostering awareness and offering actionable insights into building your confidence. 

We kick things off by addressing the emotions tied to meeting new people, especially those who have established relationships with your partner. It's natural to compare yourself, question your worth, or fear judgment. However, these feelings do not reflect reality. By learning to recognize these thoughts, we can introduce healthier dialogues with ourselves and our partners. 

Throughout the episode, we offer self-coaching questions designed to facilitate personal reflection, helping listeners dissect their emotions and understand the roots of their insecurities. As we dive deeper, we share practical strategies for fostering authentic relationships, laying out steps to connect with your partner’s friends, and even suggestions for initiating meaningful conversations. 

Open communication remains at the core of healthy relationships. Discover how to share your feelings with your partner constructively, creating an environment of mutual understanding and support. We also emphasize the importance of self-esteem and personal growth, offering tips to cultivate your individuality while maintaining a sense of belonging. 

This episode is packed with tools to transform your social interactions and overcome feelings of inadequacy. Join us on this journey to nurture a secure and loving connection with your partner and their friends. Listen now and take steps toward enhancing your relationships while valuing your authenticity!

Welcome to the Better Relationships Podcast where Dr. Dar Hawks shares relationship tips and advice to help you be seen, heard, understood, and supported in your relationships.  Taking on tough topics and giving you hope, inspiration, and ideas to experiment with, Dr. Dar Hawks is passionate about creating healthier, happier, and harmonious relationships... 
Because when you are happy in your relationship, the world becomes a better place for all of us.

Welcome to the Better Relationships Podcast where Dr. Dar Hawks shares relationship tips and advice to help you be seen, heard, understood, and supported in your relationships.  Taking on tough topics and giving you hope, inspiration, and ideas to experiment with, Dr. Dar Hawks is passionate about creating healthier, happier, and harmonious relationships... 
Because when you are happy in your relationship, the world becomes a better place for all of us.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Relationship Insecurity
• 13:30 The Nature of Social Anxiety and Its Triggers
• 25:48 Self
• 38:18 Tips for Building Confidence Around Friends
• 49:33 The Importance of Communication with Your Partner
• 1:00:03 Strategies for Personal Growth and Self

Transcript

Speaker 1: 1:00

Welcome to episode 55 of the Better Relationships podcast. I'm Dr Dar Hawks, your host and relationship communication coach and healer, and today let's talk about feeling insecure around your partner's friends and whether or not it's normal. It can be unnerving to meet your partner's friends for the first few times. If you're anything like me, you'll be thinking about it all day and night, wondering what you'll wear, how you'll fix your hair. Will it be up? Will it be down? Should you get it styled professionally? Will your partner's friends like you? Will they accept you? What if they don't? How should you act and be around them? There's so many questions and the day to meet them has not even arrived yet. It's natural to feel anxious and insecure when meeting your partner's friends for the first time. The fear of being judged or not fitting in is real and it can be overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that these insecurities are most likely temporary, especially when you're confident in who you are. You're clear and solid in your values, in what you care about, being happy in your own skin and being someone who's inclusive, conversational and caring. Focus on being yourself and on building genuine connections with your partner's friends. In time, your anxieties will fade as you become more comfortable around his friends and, to be honest, get more comfortable in your relationship with your partner. Remember, your partner and his friends have developed relationships well before you came into the picture, so feeling anxious and unsettled around them makes social gatherings uncomfortable and they can be stressful. The thought of interacting with people who have established relationships with your partner can make you feel like an outsider. These feelings of insecurity can be overwhelming and make you question yourself your role, why your partner is with you and what's your place in your partner's social circle, which can lead to even more self-doubt and emotional tension. The discomfort you experience can be particularly intense in group settings, where you might feel like you're being evaluated or compared to others, or no one's really including you in their side conversations or clicks. Here's the thing, though. Is it normal to feel insecure with your partner's friends? That may not be the ideal question to ask yourself. I invite you to start with this question instead. Is it healthy for me to feel insecure around my partner's friends?

Speaker 1: 4:10

Here are some even better self-coaching questions for you to contemplate. Number one do my values align with my partner and do they align with his friends? Number two how do his friends treat me? Are they welcoming and inclusive, or do they remain in their own cliques? Do you feel like they're talking about you whispering while looking at you? Number three do I feel secure in my relationship with my partner?

Speaker 1: 4:46

Number four does this insecurity stem from a lack of trust and confidence in your relationship? Number five are there any underlying issues within your partnership that might be contributing to these feelings? Number six does my partner leave me to fend for myself frequently and for long periods of time in group settings? Number seven how does my partner's behavior change when we're around his friends? Number eight what specific triggers cause my insecurity in these social situations? Number nine have I communicated my feelings to my partner and, if so, how did they respond? Number ten am I comparing myself to my partner's friends and if so, why?

Speaker 1: 5:42

Number 11, what past experiences have I had that could be, or might be, influencing my current feelings and thoughts? Number 12, how can I build meaningful connections with my partner's friends independently? Number 14,. What boundaries would make? Number 13,? Number 13, what boundaries would make me feel more comfortable in group settings where I don't really know anyone? Number 14,. Does my partner actively include me in conversations and activities with his friends? Number 15,. How can I maintain my authentic self while adapting to new social situations? Number 16,. What personal growth opportunities exist for me, my partner and our relationship in these social situations? Number 17,. Are my insecurities based on actual events or perceived threats? Number 18. How can I develop more confidence in social settings with my partner's friends? Number 19. What support do I need from my partner to feel more secure? Number 20. How can I contribute positively to group dynamics while respecting existing friendships? Number 21,. What steps can I take to build my own identity within the social circle? Number 22,. Do I have my own friendships and social circles or am I depending on my partner and his community? Number 23,. Are his friends my kind of people? Number 24,. Is this really the right relationship for me? Does it bring out the best in me or does it really create more stress? Number 25,.

Speaker 1: 7:43

If you're already in a committed relationship or marriage, how can you integrate in with each other's friendship groups in a healthy way? There are many questions to contemplate. I would love to assist you with diving into these questions in a self-honest, supportive, accepting and self-growth oriented way. Would you consider booking a session with me at sessiondrdarhawkscom? I would love to support you if you're feeling insecure in your relationship or when you're around your partner's friends or family, the right relationship feels like the most comfortable home, where you can unwind from who you're not. You can just be yourself, show up as you are and know that you are loved, supported, heard, understood and accepted unconditionally. And that means accepted and supported, no matter what.

Speaker 1: 8:48

No matter what, it's important to have a partner who respects and values your individuality and encourages you to pursue your own interests and maintain your own friendships. In terms of integrating into your partner's social circle, open communication is key, being able to be honest, share your fears and insecurities and discuss ways in which your partner can support you in navigating social situations that create stress for you. Consider attending events or gatherings with your partner where you feel more comfortable gradually exposing yourself to a larger group. Look for opportunities to connect with individuals in the group on a deeper level while cultivating your own friendships with them. Building relationships takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and allow space for growth. Most importantly, trust that you are deserving of love, acceptance and belonging, both within your relationship and in social settings. The right relationship is a place where you can be your authentic self without fear of judgment or rejection. Your partner's friends ought to be accepting and inclusive, actively involving you in conversations and activities. It is essential to maintain your own identity within the social circles, building your own friendships and contributing positively to the group. However, it's also important to assess whether these friendships align with your values and interests. If you find yourself constantly feeling insecure or struggling to fit in, it may be worth examining whether this relationship or these friendships truly support your personal growth and that of your partners.

Speaker 1: 10:45

Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, support and the shared sense of belonging. In the midst of having vast differences between people. When you are friends, those in and of itself don't mean that it's an unhealthy relationship, as long as you have the mutual respect, support and shared sense of belonging and you can accept and love each other and coexist amidst those differences and perhaps even talk about them from the perspective of learning about each other, as opposed to converting or coercing each other to shift to each other's way of thinking or coercing each other to shift to each other's way of thinking. Also, open and honest communication with your partner is essential. Feeling comfortable to express your feelings and concerns, while also allowing your partner the opportunity to understand and address your concerns is important. It's worthwhile to remember that your partner and you you both chose each other for a reason, and both your friends and your partner's friends should respect and appreciate that fact and the presence of each other in their lives.

Speaker 1: 12:03

Over time, as you build your own connections within the group, your feelings of insecurity are most likely to diminish. Despite these initial feelings of insecurity, it's important to remember your partner values your presence in their life and they want you to be a part of their social circle. If you're finding that that's not the case, then this may not be the right relationship for you, or you and your partner need to have a serious conversation about how to fix that gap. It can also be helpful to communicate your concerns with your partner, because they might be able to provide reassurance and support. Over time, as you spend more time with his friends and build your own relationships within the group, you'll find your feelings of security diminish and disappear. When you do feel insecure around your partner's friends, it really does take all the fun out of being in these social situations. Here are five tips to help you manage insecurity and feel more at ease. Number one communicate your feelings of insecurity with your partner in a calm and non-confrontational manner. They may not even be aware of how you're feeling. They may not be seeing what you're seeing and experiencing, so discussing it can actually bring you closer together.

Speaker 1: 13:32

Focus on building your self-esteem. You are worthy of love and respect, regardless of what others think. Engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself, whether it's pursuing a hobby, spending time with supportive friends, learning a new skill or just interacting and being yourself in new social situations. Number three challenge negative thoughts. Insecurity often originates from negative self-talk and making assumptions. When these thoughts arise, question their validity Are they based on evidence or just your fears? And then work on replacing them with positive thoughts instead. After all, you're choosing these thoughts for yourself. You might as well make them really good ones. Number four get to know your partner's friends. Make an effort to spend time with them individually or in smaller groups. This can help build rapport and alleviate some of the insecurities you may have about being accepted by them. Number five please seek professional support if needed.

Speaker 1: 15:15

If your insecurity persists despite your best efforts or you just want to jumpstart and expedite working through them very quickly, consider seeking coaching. A trained professional coach can help you explore the root causes of your insecurity and help you develop easy to implement strategies to overcome them. Managing insecurity can take time and patience. Be kind to yourself as you work through these feelings and trust that with effort, they can be overcome. One more note about seeking professional support.

Speaker 1: 15:51

Coaching is not about making you wrong at all. Coaching is about identifying what's going on that's not working for you right now. Going on that's not working for you right now and what are things that you can do to shift to make them work for you. It's really that simple. It's about looking at who you are, what you're all about and where the gaps are with the situation you're dealing with and how to bridge the gap. It is not a situation where the coach sits there and questions you about who you are, or judges you or takes a deep dive into your past pains and emotions. It's truly about meeting you where you are right now, identifying what outcomes you want to create and helping you achieve them, and that's the reason why I really love being a coach and why I love being coached.

Speaker 1: 16:52

Oh, I thought of one more self-coaching question for you to consider what do his friends do that make you feel insecure? I wanted to throw that in while I remembered it. It's important to identify the specific triggers that contribute to your insecurity so that you can address them clearly, cleanly and effectively. Maybe his friends make comments or jokes that you perceive as belittling, or maybe they seem overly friendly with your partner. Understanding these triggers can help you communicate your concerns to your partner and work towards a solution together. Another question is what do they look like as you compare yourself to them?

Speaker 1: 17:35

Comparing yourself to your partner's friends can be a slippery slope that will only fuel and feed insecurity. Everyone has their own unique qualities and strengths, and it's unfair to measure yourself against them. Instead, focus on building your own self-confidence and nurturing the aspects of your relationship that make you feel secure. Identify the value and traits and qualities that you bring to the relationship and to their friends, and stand strong in that value that you bring and that worth that you bring. In addition, open communication with your partner about how you're feeling can also help create a supportive and understanding environment. Take a step back and reflect on why you feel the need to compare yourself to your partner's friends. Instead of focusing on what you perceive as flaws or shortcomings, try to embrace your own individuality and value. Surround yourself with positive influences and participate in activities that boost your confidence. Ultimately, the key is to cultivate self-assurance and trust in yourself and your relationship, knowing that you and your partner chose each other for who you both are.

Speaker 1: 18:56

Another question to consider is how does your partner treat you and what is he doing that contributes to you feeling insecure? If anything, evaluating how your partner treats you and identifying behaviors that contribute to your insecurity is essential. Are they dismissive of your feelings or consistently prioritizing their friends over you? These actions could be red flags indicating a lack of respect or lack of emotional support. It's important to discuss these concerns with your partner and express the need for reassurance and understanding and agreements on different behaviors and actions. A healthy relationship should be built on mutual respect, trust and prioritizing each other and each other's emotional well-being. Here are some tips to help you navigate these situations. Let's now talk about understanding insecurity in relationships and why they could be occurring.

Speaker 1: 20:03

Insecurity in relationships often originates from deep-seated fears and past experiences. They usually don't have much to do with the present moment. These fears can show up as feelings of inadequacy, especially when one partner has close friendships outside the relationship. Some key factors that could influence insecurity include fear of abandonment. Worries about losing your partner's love or attention to the friends can trigger anxiety. Attachment styles your attachment style may shape how you see social interactions, leading to increased feelings of jealousy. Jealousy can play a big role in making insecurities worse. When a partner spends time with friends, it can bring up feelings of comparison or fear that one isn't enough. This emotional turmoil can disrupt the relationship, making it crucial to address the underlying issues directly. Understanding the roots of your insecurities truly is the first step toward overcoming them and creating a healthy relationship and friendships.

Speaker 1: 21:19

Let's now talk about recognizing signs of insecurity around your partner's friends. It really often reveals itself through specific behaviors. Here are some signs to recognize for addressing any underlying issues. Excessive questioning, constantly asking about your partner's friendships or activities, can signify insecurity. This behavior may stem from fear of inadequacy or loss of attention. Feeling anxious when you're apart, feeling anxious or uneasy when your partner spends time with friends or on his own is a significant warning sign. This reaction often points to deeper feelings of jealousy or fear of abandonment. Self-reflection is essential. As you identify and begin to recognize signs of insecurity in your own life and self and relationships.

Speaker 1: 22:26

I want you to consider the following. I want you to identify your emotional triggers. Reflect on what specifically causes your feelings of insecurity. Is it a specific friend or friends? Is it a specific situation or location that heighten your anxiety? Spend some time really thinking through what happens when, before you're feeling the anxiety, that's usually the trigger. It's challenging to do that when you're already feeling anxious. So go and do something fun, try to distract your mind and then come back and retrospectively look at what transpired right before you got anxious and then look at what was going on. What were you thinking and feeling as you were feeling the anxiety.

Speaker 1: 23:29

The second thing to do is really acknowledge your feelings. Understanding your emotional responses will allow you to address them directly, which will also help you have healthier interactions, both with your partner and their friends. Also, managing your emotions is important as well, and not reacting or acting out in the moment and instead being quiet, sitting with your emotions or putting them on the shelf for you to reflect on at a later date or a later time when you're by yourself. Recognizing behaviors empowers you to take proactive steps toward building a more secure relationship with yourself and with your partner. Here are some tips about having open communication with your partner.

Speaker 1: 24:20

Open communication honest, transparent, bearing your soul type of communication in relationships is vital for creating trust and understanding and being understood and trusted. It serves as a foundation for addressing insecurities about yourself, about your partner and about their friends. When feelings of inadequacy arise, discuss them openly, because that can lead to greater intimacy and reassurance. To share about your insecurities effectively, I want you to use I statements. Focus on your feelings rather than placing blame. For example, say I feel anxious when you spend time with Jenny. I know the two of you have been really close friends. You've never been boyfriend or girlfriend, but it still creates anxiety for me. That is a much better way of saying it. Instead of you always choose your friends over me, the healthy dialogue approach reduces defensiveness and encourages constructive dialogue. Also, if your partner says, well, that's silly, you shouldn't feel that way, you could say something like well, I understand that that's your perspective. Shouldn't feel that way. You could say something like well, I understand that that's your perspective, but the reality is, this is how I'm feeling and I'd like to talk through it so that we can identify what's going on that makes me feel that way and maybe come to some agreement to alleviate my anxiousness and concerns.

Speaker 1: 26:00

Secondly, be honest about your emotions. Share the underlying fears driving your insecurity. This honesty will invite empathy from your partner and will allow them to respond with understanding. And if you're concerned that they won't be able to do that, then that's a clue to seek professional coaching. Set aside time for this discussion. You want to schedule time instead of just reacting or doing it in any given moment. Designate specific moments to talk without distraction. This will create a safe space where you both can share your thoughts without interruptions and where you can focus on each other attentively. Fourthly, listen actively. Encourage your partner to share their perspectives as well and listen to what they have to say, because that creates an environment of mutual respect and understanding, which then builds trust, of mutual respect and understanding, which then builds trust. By emphasizing emotional expression, you will create a pathway towards deeper connection and reassurance in the face of insecurity surrounding your partner's friendships. If you or your partner have a hard time in sharing how you're feeling or your emotions, it probably is because neither of you know the right words to say or how to say it without being charged. And please know, as a coach, I am trained to help you with that. So contact me and let me be of service and help you and your partner bridge that gap in communication.

Speaker 1: 27:39

The second tip is for self-reflection and awareness. Self-reflection really is beneficial and essential to address insecurities in relationships. Engaging in this practice will help you uncover the root causes of insecurity, allow you to gain insight into your emotional world and in order to self-reflect, here are some aspects for you to consider Last experiences Think about previous relationships or childhood experiences that may have shaped your perception of friendships, love and trust and safety. Understanding your past influences can illuminate patterns that really have nothing to do with your current relationship but are affecting your current relationship, which might mean that there's some healing that you need to do about your past, or might mean you need to create some strategies on how to mitigate these past experience triggers with your partner through subtle shifts in how you're communicating or strategies of how to be with each other in group settings.

Speaker 1: 29:05

Number two get familiar with different attachment styles. The four attachment styles are secure, anxious, avoidant and fearful. While there are quizzes that you can take to identify your dominant attachment style, take to identify your dominant attachment style. I believe that every one of us experiences each of these attachment styles, depending on the relationship, depending on the situation, depending on what's going on in our lives in that moment and that interaction, and that there might be one that we're just really dominant with. But to be honest with you, I have seen that we as human beings can experience all four attachment styles, depending on the situation. So that's why it's important to get familiar with the four of them Secure, anxious, avoidant and fearful. Feel free to go and search on your favorite browser and search engine what they mean and then think about how each one shows up for you in different relationships. I really believe that you will come up with examples and be able to understand how these attachment styles show up in your life and in your interactions with others. Doing that retrospectively will help you better manage them as you move forward in new relationships. But prioritizing self-reflection, you empower yourself to confront your own insecurities in a constructive way. Also, recognizing and understanding and addressing your underlying issues will cultivate your own personal growth, your own increase in self-esteem and self-worth, and that will strengthen your relationship with your partner.

Speaker 1: 31:03

Lastly, tip number three building trust together. Trust is built moment by moment through your actions and your words with your partner. Establishing trust in your relationship is essential for overcoming insecurities, especially related to your partner's friendships and any insecurities your partner may have with friendships that you have. When partners create clear boundaries regarding their friendships, it can create an environment of safety and respect. Here are some key points to consider as you work on building trust together, some of which I've already talked about. They're repeated because they're that important Open dialogue, engage in discussions about what boundaries are needed for you both.

Speaker 1: 31:58

Understanding each other's comfort levels can help in navigating social situations, but helping each other understand those boundaries, instead of demanding them or creating ultimatums, is important. You might have to negotiate the boundaries that you think you might need because your partner may not be okay with it, so you've got to find some common ground, and that's an area that I can help you both fairly quickly with as well. You also want to set friendship boundaries. Discuss specific situations that may cause discomfort, for example, if your boyfriend makes you feel insecure about certain friends. Identify those relationships, provide examples of what you saw happen, how you felt, and openly address your feelings.

Speaker 1: 32:43

Number three mutual respect. Explore what makes both of you feel secure around each other's friends. In fact, I suggest you start with that first, because recognizing and acknowledging what works first will help you look at what doesn't work in a more constructive way. Recognizing the importance of respecting each other's friendships while ensuring emotional safety will actually strengthen the bond in your relationship. Number four trust-building exercises for couples. Start engaging in activities that will build trust. These can range from sharing feelings about past experiences to engaging in fun exercises that promote teamwork and understanding. By working together intentionally on trust building, couples not only alleviate insecurities, but also deepen emotional connection. This collaborative effort creates a supportive atmosphere where both partners feel valued and understood in social interactions.

Speaker 1: 33:51

Number five developing effective coping strategies. And actually this is about self-coping. Managing feelings of jealousy and anxiety when your partner spends time with friends can be challenging, so implement practical coping strategies for yourself so that you experience relief and can enhance your own emotional well-being. Experience relief and can enhance your own emotional well-being. You probably already know about these and I can't emphasize them enough because they're really easy to do if you just remember to do them. Deep breathing exercises Engaging in slow, intentional, deep breathing will help calm your mind during moments of insecurity and anxiety. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this several times to alleviate immediate anxiety. You can also do this if you feel insecurity or anxiety about to take hold, and why that happens is because it's based on memory stored in your body or your head of being reminded of something from your past that triggers the insecurity or the anxiety, and breathing through it is a coping strategy and a self-healing strategy as well. Another one is positive affirmations. Practicing positive self-talk can shift negative thought patterns, create affirmations that reinforce your self-worth, such as I am more than enough, my relationship is secure or I am uber confident in who I am and I am valuable. Repeat these phrases throughout the day to build your confidence.

Speaker 1: 35:50

Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques also offer effective tools for reframing negative thoughts associated with insecurities. Consider these approaches. First, you want to identify the negative thoughts, recognize when these thoughts arise, note them down to understand the patterns. You want to do this over a short period of time, maybe seven to ten days. And then I want you to challenge these thoughts, ask yourself if there is evidence supporting these feelings. Write down the evidence, and I want you to write them down in two different ways One, the facts of what actually happened and two, the story that you told about it, because more often than not, it's our story and perception that's driving the insecurities. Often, confronting irrational beliefs can diminish their power and then replace them with positive alternatives. Substitute the negative perceived thoughts with realistic, positive ones. This practice will encourage a healthier perspective on yourself, your relationships and friendships. Implementing these self-coping mechanisms will create resilience against jealousy in relationships while nurturing a sense of security within yourself.

Speaker 1: 37:14

I also want you to focus on personal growth and self-esteem building. Nurturing your individual self-esteem is important to develop confidence in your relationships and in yourself. Prioritize your personal growth. Cultivate your own sense of self-worth that positively influences how you feel around your partner and his friends. Here are some effective ways to enhance self-esteem Pursue your own hobbies and friendships.

Speaker 1: 37:45

Spend time on your own and doing things with your own friends, separate from your partner. Anticipate in activities that excite you, because that can boost your confidence. Whether it's painting, dancing, learning a musical instrument, hobbies provide a sense of accomplishment and joy. You want to have your own individual interests. Set personal goals. Establish and achieving small goals can reinforce your skills, capabilities and confidence. Focus on areas like wellness, fitness, education, skill development or anything else that resonates with you. I also invite you to participate in creative endeavors, because that oftentimes will bring some balance between your right and left brain and help with anxiety and insecurities. Participate in new social experiences. Attend workshops, join clubs or volunteer, or do something with your friends that you ordinarily would say no to, just to experience it. These experiences will not only introduce you to new people, but also strengthen your social skills and your ability to adapt to any situation, and this one I cannot emphasize enough.

Speaker 1: 39:08

Practice self-care. Prioritize activities that nurture your physical and mental well-being and your solo alone time. Oftentimes, my clients will prioritize time with their partners and go all in with whatever their partner needs or whatever their partner is doing, and will sacrifice their own quality time, which creates problems later on in the relationship. So I really invite you to spend time on your own doing things that you enjoy as well, in balance with the time that you spend with your partner. Also, it goes without saying regular movement and exercise, healthy eating and mindfulness practices will contribute to enhanced self-esteem as well. By focusing on your personal growth and participating in self-esteem building activities, you will empower yourself to navigate your feelings of insecurity more effectively. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you yourself look at those insecurities and wonder what was I thinking? That's ridiculous or silly. I understand why I was feeling that, but I'm not feeling that anymore. This is what personal growth and self-esteem building can do for you, and this shift not only benefits your relationship, but enriches your overall life experience at home and with your work and career.

Speaker 1: 40:43

Overcoming insecurity in relationships does require proactive, ongoing steps and commitment. I invite you to implement the tips that I've shared with you, because they can significantly transform how you feel around your partner's friends and build your self-worth. In summary, consider the following actions Communicate openly with your partner. Make specific requests in how they can support youage in self-reflection to understand the roots and the foundations of your insecurities. Work together to build trust and establish healthy boundaries. Develop effective coping strategies to manage jealousy and insecurity. Focus on your personal growth and self-esteem. Taking these steps will create healthier interactions and will enhance your relationship with your partner, and not only your friends, but his friends as well.

Speaker 1: 41:45

Feeling insecure in your relationship can be challenging, and understanding your needs is crucial for building a healthier dynamic. I invite you to take the Relationship Needs Quiz to identify your dominant primary relationship need at needsdrdarhawkscom. This quiz can help identify areas where you may need support. You feel insecure in your relationship in yourself, with your partners, friends or family. I can help guide you toward enhancing your relationship in yourself, with your partners, friends or family. I can help guide you toward enhancing your relationship security. So please don't let insecurities ruin your relationship. Take action today by starting with the needs quiz at needsdrdarhawkscom. Or, if you want to go ahead and book a half hour session with me now, you can do that at sessiondrdarhawkscom, and I look forward to connecting with you there or in the next podcast.