S5E11: WHEN TRAUMA RESULTS IN BONDING TO A TROUBLED MAN

About this episode

Bella, a new mom grieving her husband's death, seeks advice on how to navigate her troubled relationship with Larry, who has been abusive.

29-yr-old, new mom, Bella, was happily married to her 31-yr-old HS sweetheart when tragedy struck and he passed away of cancer. Still in grief, worsened by the isolation of the Covid pandemic, Bella began dating again and quickly fell into a relationship with 44-yr-old Larry. But Larry was far from being a sweetheart.  He lied about his name and age, was controlling, and became verbally abusive, as well as physically restraining Bella at times.  After a short stint attempting to live together, Larry kicked Bella and her child out, telling her he was no longer interested in a relationship. Bella says she still loves Larry and comes on Make Him Wonder wanting to know what she can do to make things right and get Larry back.     

People in this episode

Guest: Bella

Topics covered

• trauma
• relationships
• abuse
• grief
• dating

Keywords

• bonding
• troubled man
• love
• control
• isolation

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Make Him Wonder

More episodes of Make Him Wonder

• S5E22: HE'S SEPARATED AND KEEPS COMING BACK—IS THIS TIME DIFFERENT? · May 25, 2026
• S5E20: GHOSTED TWICE BY THE SAME MAN—BUT THIS TIME SHE'S READY · April 15, 2026
• S5E19: WHEN HIS ACTIONS FEEL LIKE PROOF - BUT AREN'T · April 1, 2026
• S5E18: WHEN HE WANTS YOU BACK, HE (EVENTUALLY) ACTS! · March 15, 2026
• S5E17: WAS I TOO MUCH — OR WAS HE NOT ENOUGH? · March 4, 2026
• S5E16: CONFUSING MAKING HIM WONDER WITH MAKING HIM WAIT · February 15, 2026