Call It Short & Sweet: Just Order The Steak

Podcast: Call It What It Is
Host/Authors: Jessica Capshaw & Camilla Luddington
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Duration: Approximately 22 minutes

Introduction

In the episode titled "Just Order The Steak," hosts Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington delve into the realm of relationship advice, distinguishing between helpful guidance and detrimental tips they've received over the years. The conversation intertwines personal anecdotes, listener-submitted advice, and insightful reflections on maintaining healthy relationships.

Navigating Good and Bad Relationship Advice

[02:50 - 09:00]
Jessica and Camilla kick off the discussion by sharing their experiences with both beneficial and misguided relationship advice. They emphasize the importance of discerning which advice to follow based on personal experiences.

• Camilla: "The worst advice... like, the pressure to be hard to get... really messed with my head when I was dating." [03:32]

• Jessica: Highlights the commonality of certain advice among young people, questioning its validity and long-term effects. [04:16]

Key Points:

• Misguided Strategies: The notion of playing hard to get can lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary stress in relationships.
• Authenticity Over Strategy: Being genuine and open trumps manufactured intrigue or manipulation.

Personal Anecdotes and Growth

[05:00 - 12:00]
Both hosts share personal stories illustrating how they've evolved in their approach to relationships.

• Jessica: Recounts being overly meticulous in early relationships, always appearing "red carpet ready" to impress, which often left her feeling inauthentic. [05:22]

• Camilla: Discusses her competitive nature from middle school debate, translating that into her professional and personal life by always arguing both sides to understand different perspectives. [10:02]

Notable Quotes:

• Camilla: "I loved trying to see it from someone else's point of view. It made me understand the other side a lot more." [10:48]

• Jessica: Reflects on the importance of self-awareness and growth, moving away from past behaviors that no longer serve her. [07:38]

Key Points:

• Self-Improvement: Acknowledging and learning from past mistakes enhances relationship dynamics.
• Empathy and Understanding: Developing the ability to see things from a partner's perspective fosters deeper connections.

Listener-Submitted Relationship Advice

[14:47 - 21:56]
The hosts present and discuss various pieces of relationship advice submitted by their listeners, providing their own takes and validations.

1. Communication and Understanding:

   • Cheryl: "Communication is key, but understanding one another is even more important." [14:47]
   • Camilla: Agrees but notes that understanding doesn't always mean complete comprehension. [15:19]

2. Putting Issues on Paper:

   • Sienna: "Put down all of my issues on paper. Odds are they are built differently than what you built them in your head to be." [15:23]

3. Effort and Reciprocity:

   • Lacy: "Those who don't put effort in for you aren't worth your effort into them." [15:45]

4. Evaluating Relationships:

   • Laura: "Do you like him or the idea of him?" [19:58]

5. Maintaining Individuality:

   • Larissa: "Maintain your individuality and keep the romance alive." [20:11]

6. Acts of Kindness:

   • Michelle: "If there were two steaks on a plate, would he take the better one or give it to you?" [20:37]

Notable Quotes:

• Camilla: "Do you like him in real life or you like him on paper?" [20:05]
• Jessica: Reflects on small acts of kindness in relationships, akin to the "Wedding Singer" analogy. [20:45]

Key Points:

• Self-Reflection: It's crucial to understand one's motivations and feelings within a relationship.
• Mutual Effort: Both partners should actively contribute to the relationship's health and longevity.
• Individuality: Maintaining one's identity outside the relationship prevents codependency and fosters personal growth.

Conclusion and Takeaways

[21:53 - 22:19]
Jessica and Camilla wrap up the episode by reinforcing the importance of self-care and being one's own biggest supporter.

• Camilla: Encourages treating oneself with the same care and attention as one would a child. [21:41]

• Jessica: Emphasizes the necessity of being a cheerleader for oneself to cultivate a healthy relationship. [22:12]

Key Points:

• Self-Care: Prioritizing one's well-being is foundational to maintaining healthy relationships.
• Self-Support: Being your own advocate ensures that you remain strong and resilient within a partnership.

Final Thoughts

"Just Order The Steak" offers a candid and heartfelt exploration of relationship dynamics, blending personal experiences with practical advice. Jessica and Camilla's authentic conversation serves as a valuable resource for listeners navigating the complexities of love and partnership, encouraging them to seek authenticity, mutual respect, and continuous self-improvement in their relationships.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Camilla (03:32): "The pressure to be hard to get... really messed with my head when I was dating."
• Camilla (10:48): "I loved trying to see it from someone else's point of view."
• Cheryl (14:47): "Communication is key, but understanding one another is even more important."
• Laura (19:58): "Do you like him or the idea of him?"
• Jessica (22:12): "You need to be your number one fan for you."

This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing insights and key moments to give both regular listeners and newcomers a comprehensive overview of the discussion.