Episode 197: Leaving it in 2024

Release Date: December 26, 2024
Podcast: Two Hot Takes
Host: Morgan Absher

Introduction: Reflecting on 2024

In the season finale of Two Hot Takes for 2024, host Morgan Absher and her co-hosts delve into a heartfelt discussion about leaving behind the negative aspects of the past year. They explore the idea of evolving the podcast by potentially involving grandparents, emphasizing the value of their wisdom and experience. This episode sets the tone for embracing positive changes and moving forward into 2025 with optimism.

Notable Quotes:

• Morgan (00:30): "This is the last Two Hot Takes episode of 2024. Forever."
• Co-host C (02:16): "I actually think that that would be such a good podcast. I would actually love if you started bringing on just, like, random grandparents."

Segment 1: Am I the Asshole – Mother-in-Law Naming Issue

The first story examines a Reddit post where a user questions whether they are in the wrong for being upset with their mother-in-law for consistently calling their son by a girl's name.

Key Points:

• Original Post (06:00): A user is upset because their mother-in-law calls their 4-month-old son by a girl's name despite requests to stop.
• Discussion Highlights:
  • Importance of respecting parents' choices in naming their child.
  • The passive-aggressive nature of the mother-in-law's behavior after repeated requests.
  • Suggestions to set clear boundaries and assertively address the issue.

Notable Quotes:

• Co-host A (07:22): "If parents have strong rules about how they wanna raise their kids, all of the other people should respect that."
• Co-host B (10:32): "He's trying to give his stamp right on the forehead. Stop deadnaming people don't make up names for kids that aren't their names."

Top Listener Comment (10:32): "Start calling mother in law by the wrong name, preferably the male version of her name. This is not in good fun. This is disrespectful."

Segment 2: Infidelity and Emotional Turmoil

The next story focuses on a woman grappling with her boyfriend's infidelity, which led to the birth of another child.

Key Points:

• Original Post (16:45): A 24-year-old female discovers her 23-year-old boyfriend cheated and impregnated another woman four months ago.
• Discussion Highlights:
  • The complexity of emotions when infidelity involves a best friend.
  • The timing of the confession during finals week as possibly self-serving.
  • The long-term impact on trust and whether the relationship can be salvaged.
  • Emphasis on prioritizing personal well-being and education over a toxic relationship.

Notable Quotes:

• Co-host A (17:02): "Cheating is something people work through or they don't. It's like you're staring up at Mount Everest."
• Co-host B (21:12): "You never know what their guys nights look like. Sad thing is, I think we all know what their guys nights are like."

Top Listener Comment (22:05): "Hold your finals, hold your tears, but do not hold on to this man. He didn't just cheat. He created a whole new life while playing house with you."

Segment 3: Drunken Actions and Relationship Abuse

This segment discusses a distressing Reddit post where a woman admits to drunkenly flashing her husband's friends, leading to accusations of cheating and escalating abuse.

Key Points:

• Original Post (29:00): A 36-year-old female drunkenly flashed her boyfriend's friends, causing severe repercussions in her marriage.
• Discussion Highlights:
  • Recognition of abusive and controlling behavior from the boyfriend.
  • The importance of recognizing red flags and abusive patterns in relationships.
  • Encouragement to seek support and consider leaving an abusive partner for personal safety and well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• Co-host B (33:35): "I would peg him as an abuser right now. This is abusive."
• Co-host C (38:00): "Like, you're always trying to find the truth, trying to see if there's actually something else behind what they're saying to you."

Top Listener Comment (43:54): "You're the asshole. This is how you plan to treat her for the rest of your life? Call it off for her sake?"

Update (126:17): The original poster confirms leaving her abusive boyfriend after escalating physical abuse, receiving overwhelming support from the hosts and listeners.

Notable Quotes from Update:

• Co-host B (127:08): "I ultimately decided to tell my wife the truth."
• Co-host C (128:20): "Love wins at the end of the day."

Segment 4: Boundary Issues in Relationships

Another Reddit post explores a mother questioning her son's treatment of his fiancée, feeling he is acting like a child towards her.

Key Points:

• Original Post (50:30): A mother is concerned that her 26-year-old son treats his 23-year-old fiancée like a child, with examples like brushing her hair and feeding her.
• Discussion Highlights:
  • Differentiating between affectionate gestures and patronizing behavior.
  • Reflecting on societal norms and personal boundaries within relationships.
  • Encouraging open communication between parents and adult children.

Notable Quotes:

• Co-host B (51:39): "This is love. This is love."
• Co-host A (55:36): "Let your son fly out of the nest. Not this helicopter buzzing around all the time."

Top Listener Comment (57:44): "'Am I the asshole?' Sounds like jealousy to me. You're the asshole."

Segment 5: Long-Term Lies in Marriage

The final story revolves around a man who lied about his favorite meal for over a decade, cooking chicken parmesan for his wife instead of his true favorite, chicken Alfredo.

Key Points:

• Original Post (104:22): A man questions whether he should reveal to his wife after 11 years that he was lying about his favorite meal.
• Discussion Highlights:
  • Evaluating the significance of minor lies in long-term relationships.
  • The potential impact of honesty versus maintaining feelings through small fabrications.
  • Balancing self-disclosure with relationship harmony.

Notable Quotes:

• Co-host A (107:59): "You didn't make it any bigger. It's just not worth lying about."
• Co-host B (117:43): "If you think you can pull that maneuver off, then go for it. If not, you'll take it to the Grave."

Top Listener Comment (118:22): "I don't know if my husband said, 'My love, I have a terrible secret.' I said the wrong meal that day. He laughed and now we have an inside joke. This long funny story is the best part of our long life together."

Update (127:26): The original poster reveals that upon confessing, his wife found humor in the situation, turning the lie into a cherished inside joke that strengthened their bond.

Notable Quotes from Update:

• Co-host C (127:16): "I just saw my wife laugh after I confessed. It became our incredible inside joke."
• Co-host B (129:36): "Love is love. I am incredibly happy for them."

Conclusion: Embracing Change and Moving Forward

As the hosts wrap up the episode, they encourage listeners to reflect on what they wish to leave behind in 2024 and what positive changes they aim to embrace in 2025. The episode emphasizes personal growth, healthier relationships, and the importance of setting boundaries.

Closing Remarks:

• Co-host B (130:14): "Let your relationship evolve. Embrace the new and leave the negative in 2024."
• Morgan Absher (133:00): "Thank you so much for being here, supporting the show, and continuing to listen. Happy holidays and until next year."

Notable Quotes:

• Co-host C (129:58): "Love wins at the end of the day."
• Co-host A (139:00): "Choose love."

Final Thoughts

Episode 197 of Two Hot Takes serves as a poignant reflection on leaving behind the year's negativity and fostering positive change. Through engaging discussions on various Reddit and relationship dilemmas, Morgan and her team offer insightful advice, support, and humor, encouraging listeners to prioritize their well-being and cultivate healthier relationships in the coming year.

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