Nobody Wants This Season 2: The Mother-in-Law Power Struggle and What Healthy Boundaries Really Look Like
In Season 2, Episode 2 of Nobody Wants This, Joanne delivers the now-viral line: “Mothers have been hating their son’s girlfriends since the beginning of time…” — and it’s the ultimate masterclass in boundaries. Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, clinical psychologist and author of You, Your Husband, and His Mother, unpacks why Bina’s behavior is a textbook case of enmeshment, guilt, and control disguised as care.
From secret keys to guilt trips and emotional manipulation, Dr. Tracy breaks down what happens when families don’t update their roles — and how couples can stay united through it. Learn the key therapy concepts of enmeshment, triangulation, differentiation, and boundary-setting, and walk away knowing how to protect your peace without losing compassion.
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Keywords
Nobody Wants This; emotional intelligence, family dynamics, mother-in-law, boundaries, communication, repair, autonomy, differentiation, relationships, parenting
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Breaking Family Cycles: The Traits of Emotionally Intelligent Mothers-in-Law (and Why It Matters for Your Marriage)
In this final episode of the series, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, psychologist and relationship expert, discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in family dynamics, particularly focusing on the role of mothers-in-law. She outlines key behaviors that emotionally intelligent mothers-in-law exhibit, such as protecting the couple unit, communicating effectively, owning their impact, including without enmeshment, and practicing differentiation.
The episode emphasizes the need for self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex family relationships while maintaining healthy boundaries.
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RESOURCES:
Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!
Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: Take it here
Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions
Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the 30 Days to Us Challenge
LINKS:
Calm: Save 40% off at calm.com/Tracy
Rula: Get the support you need with rula.com/Tracy
KiwiCo: Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.ComVionic Shoes: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com
Keywords
emotional intelligence, family dynamics, mother-in-law, boundaries, communication, repair, autonomy, differentiation, relationships, parenting
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The Difference Between a Boundary and a Threat — Especially Around the Holidays
In this From the Couch session, Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish breaks down one of the biggest questions she gets during the holiday season: What’s the difference between a boundary and a threat?
If you’ve ever said, “I’m not hosting this year,” or “If you keep acting like that, we’re never coming over again,” this episode will help you understand why one creates peace and the other fuels conflict.Short, compassionate, and practical, this quick session gives you the language and mindset to protect your peace without guilt.
👉 Listen if you’re searching for:How to set boundaries with family kindlyThe difference between boundaries and threatsHoliday boundary settingHow to protect your peace without starting conflict
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RESOURCES:
Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!
Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: Take it here
Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions
Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the 30 Days to Us Challenge
LINKS:
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KiwiCo: Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com
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In-Law Drama to Teamwork: How to Get on the Same Page with Your Partner Before the Holidays
In this special episode of Dear Dr. Tracy, clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish sits down with her husband, Greg, to answer real, anonymous listener questions about mothers-in-law (MILs), in-law dynamics, holiday boundaries, and getting on the same page as a couple.
Drawing from her upcoming book, You, Your Husband, and His Mother (launching November 4), Dr. Tracy breaks down how to ask a partner to “take your side” (validation vs. action), set clear boundaries without disrespect, manage holiday expectations, and respond to subtle digs or manipulative comments—all while protecting the couple bond.
Listeners learn practical scripts and the VAULT Method (Values, Aspirations + nervous system awareness, Understanding, Longings, Taking Action) to move out of autopilot and into teamwork. Dr. Tracy and Greg cover fairness myths between families, FaceTime and visit expectations, nervous-system tools for dread and anxiety, how to avoid triangulation during sibling or extended-family conflict, and how to protect parenting choices (consent, food rules, body talk) with warmth and clarity. Whether someone is navigating mild tension or long-standing patterns, this episode offers research-informed, compassionate strategies to keep connection, repair, and co-created family traditions at the center—especially during the holidays.
Preorder my new book You, Your Husband, and His Mother and save your seat at my exclusive live coaching event!!
RESOURCES:
Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!
Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: Take it here
Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions
Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the 30 Days to Us Challenge
LINKS:
Factor Meals: Save 50% off your first box and get free breakfast for a year. Use code TRACY50OFF at factormeals.com/TRACY50OFF
Calm: Save 40% off at calm.com/Tracy
KiwiCo: Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com
Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACYK12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY
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How to Stop Being Defensive in Your Relationship: Couples Therapist Strategies for Better Communication
Defensiveness is one of the most common reasons couples get stuck in repetitive fights — but few people understand what’s actually driving it. In this episode, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explains the psychology of defensiveness, how shame and fear of rejection play a role, and the proven tools that help couples communicate without walls going up. Learn how to respond without reacting, build emotional safety, and start creating the kind of connection you really want.
Keywords: how to stop being defensive, couples communication skills, marriage advice podcast, defensiveness and shame, Gottman four horsemen, relationship repair, therapist tips for couples.
Preorder my new book and snag your seat to my EXCLUSIVE LIVE COACHING event! You, Your Husband, and His Mother
RESOURCES:
Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here!
Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: Take it here
Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questions
Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the 30 Days to Us Challenge
LINKS:
Calm: Save 40% off at calm.com/Tracy
KiwiCo: Save 50% off with code TRACY KiwiCo.Com
Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY
K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY
Quince Bedding: Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY
Branch Basics: Use code TRACY15 to save 15% off your Premium Starter Kit
Vionic Shoes: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com
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Welcome to Dear Dr. Tracy, the podcast that helps you navigate the everyday challenges of relationships, marriage, and parenting with expert advice and real, relatable conversations. Hosted by clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, this podcast is your place for honest, no-nonsense guidance on love, intimacy, boundaries, and communication. With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Tracy brings a mix of clinical expertise, evidence-based research, and personal insights as a wife and mother to help you break unhealthy patterns and build stronger connections. Each week, Dr. Tracy answers the questions so many of us have but don’t always know how to ask—about resentment, desire, mental load, and how to truly feel like a team with your partner. She’s joined by fellow experts, real couples, and her husband Greg, who offers a down-to-earth perspective on the struggles so many relationships face. If you’re ready for actionable tools and heartfelt conversations that will help you create a relationship that feels fulfilling, this podcast is for you.
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