Withdrawers: When Keeping the Peace Backfires

Withdrawers: When Keeping the Peace Backfires

From Relationship Advice by Thrive Therapy - Colter Bloxom, Lauren Mokarry, and Cayla Bozovich

May 25, 2026 · 56 min

About this episode

The episode explores the 'withdrawer' role in relationships and offers healthier alternatives to conflict avoidance.

In this episode, the crew dives into the “withdrawer” role in relationships and how rigid, all-or-nothing responses can quietly create disconnection. They unpack why withdrawers often appease, shut down, or avoid conflict altogether — not because they don’t care, but because disappointing their partner feels intolerable. The conversation explores healthier alternatives to passive or rigid boundaries, including slowing down, using buffer statements, getting curious, and learning how to tolerate discomfort without punishing each other. Main Talking Points: All-Or-Nothing Thinking Passive Boundaries Buffer Statements Tolerating Disappointment Vulnerable Curiosity Flexible Responses Give Me Discounts! ⁠⁠AG1 - ⁠⁠AG1 has become my go to every morning. ⁠⁠Beducate⁠⁠ - Use code relationship69 for 65% off the annual pass. Check out Relationship Academy! ⁠ ⁠Cozy Earth⁠⁠ - Black Friday has come early! Right now, you can stack my code “IDO” on top of their sitewide sale — giving you up to 40% off in savings. These deals won’t last, so start your holiday shopping today! Kiwi Fodzyme - Get 30% off your first order! Rythm - Get 15% off your first month + free shipping! ⁠⁠Simple Practice⁠⁠ - If…

People in this episode

Hosts: Colter Bloxom, Lauren Mokarry, Cayla Bozovich

Topics covered

  • withdrawer role
  • relationship dynamics
  • conflict avoidance
  • passive boundaries
  • healthy communication
  • tolerating discomfort

Keywords

  • withdrawer
  • relationship advice
  • conflict resolution
  • communication skills
  • emotional intelligence

Sponsors

AG1, Beducate, Cozy Earth, Kiwi Fodzyme, Rythm, Simple Practice, Spark My Relationship Course, Skylight

More episodes of Relationship Advice

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Relationship Advice podcast page.