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Is Susan Denying Reality?

Dr. Laura Call of the Day

Published: Thu Jul 31 2025

Susan wants to believe her husband who is contacting old girlfriends and telling her it's nothing to worry about. Call 1-800-DR-LAURA / 1-800-375-2872 or make an appointment at DrLaura.com

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Is Susan Denying Reality?"

Podcast Information:

  • Title: Dr. Laura Call of the Day
  • Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
  • Episode: Is Susan Denying Reality?
  • Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of "Dr. Laura Call of the Day," Dr. Laura Schlessinger addresses a heartfelt and complex situation shared by a caller named Susan. The episode delves into themes of marital trust, infidelity, and personal accountability, offering Dr. Laura's signature no-nonsense advice.

Caller’s Situation: A Strained Marriage and Trust Issues

Timestamp [00:40]:
Dr. Laura Schlessinger: "Susan welcome to the program."

Timestamp [00:42]:
Caller: "Hi Dr. Laura. Thank you for taking my call."

Susan introduces herself as a 58-year-old woman married for 37 years to her 62-year-old husband. They have three children and a grandson. Susan expresses gratitude for being a stay-at-home mom supported by her husband but soon reveals deeper marital issues stemming from her husband's questionable behaviors over the past 15 years.

Timestamp [01:13]–[05:19]:
Susan recounts incidents where her husband's actions raised red flags:

  1. First Incident (15 years ago):
    Her husband contacted an ex-girlfriend, leading to an uncomfortable confrontation initiated by Susan. Her husband’s demeanor is described as "melancholy" and a "don't ask permission, ask forgiveness" type.

  2. Second Incident (a few years later):
    Susan discovers her husband browsing Craigslist and communicating with another woman. Despite his reassurances that his intentions were harmless, the secrecy troubled her.

  3. Recent Incident (April 2024):
    While looking after her grandson, Susan finds her husband's Facebook messages to an ex-girlfriend. She reads their email correspondence from 11 years prior, noting flirtatious exchanges and sentimental remarks, which devastate her trust further.

Notable Quote:
Susan: "And I just didn't think it was appropriate."

Dr. Laura’s Response: Confronting Reality

Timestamp [04:15]–[10:23]:
Dr. Laura responds sharply to Susan's narrative, challenging her perceptions and emotional responses.

  • On Denial of Meaning:
    Dr. Laura: "I got to tell you, the 'it doesn't mean anything' is one of the dumbest, most insidious things to say." ([04:43])

  • On Emotional Rationalization:
    Dr. Laura: "I'm not talking about a feeling. I don't care about your feelings. Feelings are irrational..." ([07:33])

  • On Accepting the Harsh Truth:
    Dr. Laura: "You're staying with a bit of a creep... it's much better for you if you simply admit the reality." ([08:14])

  • On Moving Forward:
    Dr. Laura: "Stop checking up on it and assume it's going to continue." ([09:01])

  • On the Caller’s Attempt to Change Her Husband:
    Dr. Laura: "Changing him is not an option." ([09:40])

Key Insights:

  1. Acknowledgment of Reality: Dr. Laura emphasizes the importance of recognizing the truth of the situation rather than clinging to feelings that cloud judgment.

  2. Accountability and Responsibility: She urges Susan to stop attempting to change her husband, highlighting the futility and self-detrimental nature of such efforts.

  3. Personal Peace: Dr. Laura advises Susan to seek personal peace by accepting her husband's behavior and adjusting her expectations and actions accordingly.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

  • Dr. Laura on Denying Reality:
    "I got to tell you, the 'it doesn't mean anything' is one of the dumbest, most insidious things to say." ([04:43])

  • Dr. Laura on Emotional Responses:
    "Feelings are irrational and we edit them..." ([07:33])

  • Dr. Laura on Acceptance:
    "You don't have to leave him now, but stop questioning about it and stop checking up on it." ([09:01])

Concluding Advice: Acceptance and Moving Forward

Timestamp [10:05]–[11:02]:
Dr. Laura wraps up the conversation by reinforcing her earlier points. She criticizes Susan's maternal or educational approach to her husband, urging her to recognize his true nature and the futility of attempting to change him. The focus is on Susan finding peace within herself rather than trying to salvage a marriage that undermines her well-being.

Final Notable Quote:
Dr. Laura: "Adm

it to yourself he's a bit of a creep. Doesn't care if he hurts you, but you want to stay married for the sake of keeping the family structure together." ([08:14])

Conclusion

In "Is Susan Denying Reality?", Dr. Laura Schlessinger delivers a candid and tough-love approach to a marital crisis characterized by infidelity and emotional neglect. By compelling Susan to confront the harsh truths of her marriage, Dr. Laura emphasizes personal responsibility and the necessity of accepting uncomfortable realities to achieve inner peace. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the importance of self-respect and the courage required to face difficult truths in relationships.

For more insights and advice from Dr. Laura Schlessinger, visit DrLaura.com and tune in to her daily radio program on SiriusXM Triumph 111.

No transcript available.