We’ve all been there — the “therapist girlfriend,” the hype woman, the emotional anchor for someone who never asked about your day. That’s called emotional labor — and while it can be beautiful in a healthy relationship, it’s draining and destructive when it’s one-sided.

In this episode of Lessons in the Debris, Danielle Lea shares three unforgettable stories:

• The Daily Dumper, who texted his crises every morning but never asked a single question.
• The Coach, who leaned on Danielle for pep talks while ignoring her own milestones.
• The Disappearing Act, who made her essential during his crisis, then vanished when things got better.

Through humor, honesty, and hard truths, Danielle explores what emotional labor looks like in dating, why it’s not a love language, and how to recognize the imbalance before it drains you.

Red Flag Reflection:

New episodes of Lessons in the Debris drop bi-weekly. Subscribe, sip, and heal out loud with Danielle as she finds meaning in the mess.

In the inaugural episode of 'Lessons in The Debris,' host Danielle Lee introduces a podcast centered around the complexities of dating post-divorce, healing from heartbreak, and finding clarity amidst chaos. Drawing from her personal experiences as a divorced mother and grandmother, Danielle aims to create a space of authenticity, reflection, and humor. She discusses the motivation behind the podcast and its format, which will include solo stories and occasional guests. Danielle emphasizes the importance of true companionship and relationship building over adhering to a checklist of traits. The episode also touches on the concept of emotional labor in relationships and sets the stage for upcoming discussions on various challenges in the modern dating world.