265. Why Family Gatherings Can Trigger You More Than You Expect

Love Yourself Thin Podcast · Aug 13, 2026 · 20m

Have you ever walked into a family reunion, holiday gathering, or high school reunion and suddenly felt like you were 16 again?

Maybe nobody said anything intentionally hurtful. Maybe someone makes an innocent comment about who you used to be, and yet something inside you deflates. In this episode, Dara explores why being around people who have known you for decades can bring up such a powerful emotional reaction—even when you have done years of work to become a different version of yourself.

Dara dives into the psychology behind family dynamics, self-concept, rejection, and belonging, and…