Ever catch yourself trying to protect someone from their own emotions—like disappointment, anger, or sadness? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore the sneaky ways many of us—especially those with fearful avoidant attachment—take on emotional responsibility that was never ours to begin with.

We break down how childhood conditioning taught us to manage other people’s feelings as a form of survival, and why that habit lingers long into adulthood. Whether you're people-pleasing, over-giving, or avoiding conflict altogether, these patterns might feel like kindness, but they come at a cost: your own emotional well-being and the other person’s ability to take ownership of their experience.

You’ll learn why trying to “protect” others from hard emotions often leads to resentment, and how choosing short-term discomfort can actually build stronger, more honest relationships.

Discover your attachment style to break free from old relationship patterns. Take the free quiz here: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/6329f75e6dd9410016a64043

Follow Lit AF Relationships on Instagram: @itsmesarahcohan.com

Visit the Lit AF Relationships Website: https://www.sarahcohan.com/

If you’re interested in one-on-one or couples coaching I’d love to help you heal old patterns to create healthy relationships where you feel like you’re on the same team. Get started by applying for a free 60-minute healthy relationships call here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddL3tie849uvgD1m31l4MAH3AzH0FlWgnsG0gPEBEzeDyPyg/viewform

206. The Cost of Carrying Everyone’s Emotions

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