918. The red flags you’re WIRED to ignore: How childhood wounds shape your relationships + self-worth

In this episode, attachment expert + relationship educator Dr. Sarah Hensley (aka The Love Doc) joins Krista to unpack why modern dating feels harder than ever—and how our attachment styles shape the relationships we choose, the red flags we overlook, and the love we believe we deserve. Sarah gets into the complicated dynamics of narcissism, emotional unavailability, and trauma bonds, sharing how childhood experiences can influence the way we show up in love. She reveals why we over-function in relationships, how criticism can reinforce disconnection, and why understanding someone’s behavior is not the same as excusing it. Drawing from her own experiences, Sarah shares what it takes to break painful relationship patterns + move toward more secure, healthy love. This conversation will change how you see your past relationships—and what you look for in the next one. We also talk about: Fearful avoidance vs. dismissive avoidance The difference between attachment patterns + personality disorders How to recognize emotional manipulation + weaponized incompetence Why some people shut down instead of repairing conflict The connection between parentification + over-functioning in love Why betrayal blindness can make red flags harder to see The cycle of love-bombing, devaluation + discard Why some partners return after a breakup—and what may be driving it How social media + dating culture shape expectations around commitment Building a relationship with someone who genuinely has your back Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.sarahhensley/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drsarahhensley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.SarahHensley Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-love-doc-podcast/id1748854144 Website: https://thelovedoc.com/ Sponsors: Larineco | Get 50% off at https://buylarine.com/ALMOST30. EllaOla | Go to https://EllaOla.com/ALMOST30 for 20% off your first purchase. Quince | Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://quince.com/almost30. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Instant Hydration | Go to https://instanthydration.com/ALMOST30 and use code ALMOST30 for over 40% off your first subscription order. BetterHelp | Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/almost30. Ritual | Save 25% on your first month at https://Ritual.com/ALMOST30. The Real Real | Get $25 off your first purchase when you go to therealreal.com/ALMOST30. Upwork | Visit https://Upwork.com right now and post your job for free. To advertise on this podcast please email: [email protected]. Learn More: Get your copy of Almost 30, A definitive guide to a life you love for the next decade and beyond. https://almost30.com/book Listen to Morning Microdose! A quick trip into higher consciousness - https://almost30.com/morning-microdose Watch on YouTube - https://youtube.com/Almost30Podcast Join our community - https://www.facebook.com/Almost30podcast/groups Follow: https://instagram.com/almost30podcast https://tiktok.com/@almost30podcast Podcast disclaimer can be found by visiting: almost30.com/disclaimer.