Are You Settling or Just Compromising in Your Relationship?

Are You Settling or Just Compromising in Your Relationship?

June 22, 2026 · 42 min · Season 8 · Episode 25

About this episode

Em and Jen discuss the difference between compromise and settling in relationships, exploring listener questions and societal perceptions.

This week on ShrinkChicks, Em and Jen unpack the difference between compromise and settling in relationships, and why the line between them can feel so confusing sometimes. They explore how compromise is typically preference-based and healthy within a relationship, while settling often involves self-abandonment, avoidance, or giving up core parts of yourself. The two answer listener questions about how to tell the difference in real time, what to do if you realize you’ve settled after the fact, and how social media highlight reels can distort our perception of our own relationships. They also dive into patterns of one-sided compromise, unconscious “relationship contracts,” and whether it’s possible to love someone deeply while still grieving what the relationship isn’t. Tune in to gain insight, awareness, and action! PS: Fast forward to around 8:30 to skip the intro and get straight to today’s content. ⁠ Get Matched With One of Our Therapists ⁠ at The Therapy Group! ⁠ShrinkChicks on Instagram⁠ Our ⁠Know Yourself Grow Yourself Journal⁠ !! Check out ShrinkChicks on YouTube by subscribing here! ⁠https://youtube.com/channel/UCrxuhDqoL4ML3UE8b2J2BBg⁠ A special thank you to this week's…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jennifer Chaiken, Emmalee Bierly

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Sponsors

Boll & Branch, Skims

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