Is This the Person I'm Meant to Be With?

Is This the Person I'm Meant to Be With?

From Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel by Esther Perel Global Media

April 20, 2026 · 56 min · Season 8 · Episode 40

About this episode

A couple navigates their evolving relationship after transitioning from romantic partners to platonic roommates.

They arrive in Esther’s office at a crossroads. A year ago, they decided to de-escalate their relationship: to transition from romantic partners to live-in roommates. In their decade-long relationship, they had become stuck in dysfunctional patterns and toxic behaviors. But they didn’t want to force a complete separation: they still loved each other, and they couldn’t afford to move out on their own. A year into this platonic experiment, things feel better between them. Does this mean they should they get back together? Or does it mean that by continuing to live together, they are prohibiting each other from moving on? Are they meant to be each other’s lifelong partners or best friends? Producer’s Note: When our anonymous guests do a session with Esther for the podcast, it is an act of generosity for everyone who listens. These sessions are meant not only to support the people in the room with Esther, but all of us who learn from their stories. Our stories have many chapters, and what you hear is just one moment in someone’s journey. So even though the sessions are anonymous, please remember that real people are behind them and they may be reading your comments. My annual…

People in this episode

Host: Esther Perel

Guest: anonymous guests

Topics covered

  • relationship dynamics
  • love
  • cohabitation
  • personal growth
  • emotional support

Keywords

  • relationship
  • love
  • roommates
  • toxic behavior
  • personal growth

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