Relationship Self-Sabotage: Why We Push Away the Love We Actually Want w/ Dr. Raquel Peel

The Psychology of Relationships · Sep 3, 2026 · 42m · transcript

Sometimes the things we do to protect ourselves from getting hurt are the very things that create distance in our relationships. Julie & Yue are joined by psychologist and relationship researcher Dr. Raquel Peel to explore why we sometimes sabotage healthy relationships, from pulling away when things get serious to criticizing, becoming defensive, or shutting down when we feel vulnerable. Together, they unpack the Four Horsemen and how greater self-awareness can help us respond differently before protective patterns become relationship-ending habits.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why we…