Podcast Title: Two Hot Takes
Host: Morgan Absher
Guest: Angela Giarratana
Episode: 229: Freaking Out.. Ft. Angela Giarratana
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 229 of Two Hot Takes, host Morgan Absher is joined by her returning guest, Angela Giarratana. Together, they delve into a series of intriguing Reddit stories, offering their candid opinions and insightful analysis on various relationship dilemmas featured on platforms like r/AmItheAsshole and their own subreddit, r/TwoHotTakes.
Discussion of Reddit Story: "Am I the asshole for leaving dinner early after my boyfriend's friend introduced me as the current one" [06:26]
Morgan introduces the first story, where a woman questions whether she was in the wrong for leaving a dinner early after being publicly labeled as her boyfriend's "current one" by his friend.
Key Points:
- Situation: The protagonist felt embarrassed and disrespected when introduced in a demeaning manner without any correction from her boyfriend.
- Morgan's Perspective: She empathizes with the protagonist, highlighting the boyfriend's lack of support.
Quote: "The boyfriend’s essentially demonstrated that this behavior is okay." [09:18] - Angela's Take: Angela agrees, emphasizing the disrespect shown by both the friend and the boyfriend. Quote: "He was more concerned with his embarrassment, not yours." [09:40]
Conclusion: Both hosts unanimously agree that the protagonist was justified in her reaction and that the boyfriend bears responsibility for not defending her.
Discussion of Reddit Story: "I'm in love with my father-in-law and I don't know how to handle it" [14:44]
This deeply personal and complex story involves a woman grappling with intense feelings towards her father-in-law, causing her significant emotional turmoil.
Key Points:
- Situation: After working closely with her father-in-law, the protagonist realizes her feelings may transcend familial love.
- Morgan's Insights: She recognizes the struggle between genuine affection and inappropriate emotions, suggesting the need for professional help.
Quote: "You need to quit working with him." [18:24] - Angela's Perspective: Angela delves into the psychological aspects, discussing concepts like transference and the importance of setting boundaries. Quote: "This feels like an inner child thing." [19:46]
Conclusion: The hosts advocate for seeking therapy and establishing clear boundaries to navigate these challenging emotions, stressing the importance of honesty and self-awareness.
Discussion of Reddit Story: "Am I overreacting for not forgiving my fiance after he admitted he almost slept with my best friend at his bachelor party" [38:09]
Morgan presents a recent post where a woman contemplates whether her outrage over her fiancé's near-infidelity at a bachelor party is justified.
Key Points:
- Situation: The fiancé admits to almost cheating with the protagonist's best friend, attributing it to drunkenness and claiming no actual infidelity occurred.
- Morgan's Analysis: She condemns the fiancé’s actions, labeling the behavior as deceptive and disrespectful.
Quote: "Are you just allowed to run around making out with dudes now?" [40:00] - Angela's Take: Angela supports the protagonist, condemning both the fiancé for his behavior and questioning the friend's presence at the bachelor party. Quote: "Why was she there?" [44:35]
Conclusion: Morgan and Angela conclude that the protagonist is justified in feeling betrayed and that the fiancé’s actions are unacceptable, advising her to prioritize her well-being and consider ending the relationship.
Humorous Segment: "I'm being haunted by my Girlfriend's Vagina Cheese" [45:31]
In a lighter yet relatable segment, Morgan shares a humorous yet honest story about dealing with hygiene issues in a relationship.
Key Points:
- Situation: Morgan recounts a scenario where her girlfriend neglected personal hygiene after a trip, leading to an embarrassing situation.
- Hosts' Discussion: They discuss the importance of self-care and the challenges of addressing sensitive topics with partners. Quote (Morgan): "This is, like, the nicest supportive partner I think I've ever heard." [47:40]
- Angela's Insight: Angela empathizes, highlighting that neglecting self-care can be both a sign of deeper emotional struggles and a common human experience. Quote: "She's been really depressed recently... it's so normal in our frickin day and age." [51:58]
Conclusion: The segment underscores the importance of compassion and communication in relationships, even when addressing uncomfortable issues.
Discussion of Reddit Story: "My mother-in-law landscaped our entire garden while dog sitting for a week. What do I do?" [59:43]
This story centers on a couple returning from vacation to find their mother-in-law has dramatically altered their garden without permission.
Key Points:
- Situation: The mother-in-law not only pruned trees but also removed and replanted significant portions of the garden, disregarding the couple's wishes.
- Morgan's Analysis: She expresses disbelief and emphasizes the lack of respect for personal boundaries, comparing it to invasive actions like cutting down trees in someone's yard. Quote: "How was that not malicious?" [69:04]
- Angela's Perspective: Angela relates the incident to similar experiences with her own parents, discussing the challenges of balancing helpfulness with respect for personal space. Quote: "It's a control thing." [66:18]
Conclusion: The hosts recommend setting firm boundaries and having open, honest conversations with in-laws to prevent such oversteps, acknowledging the difficulty in maintaining harmony while asserting personal space.
Update: Morgan shares an update where her husband addresses the issue with their mother-in-law, leading to an apology and offers to help replace the damaged plants. While the relationship remains strained, there's a path toward resolution.
Wedding-Related Stories
Story 1: "Am I the asshole for kicking my best friend out of my wedding because she confessed feelings for me the night before that one?" [85:45]
Morgan discusses a poignant story where a groom excludes his best friend from the wedding after she confesses long-held romantic feelings for him just before the ceremony.
Key Points:
- Situation: The best friend confesses her love for the groom the night before his wedding, leading him to ask her to leave to preserve the sanctity of his marriage.
- Morgan's Perspective: She supports the groom’s decision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his relationship with his fiancée. Quote: "Good for you. Not the asshole." [95:07]
- Angela's Take: Angela agrees, highlighting the necessity of setting boundaries and the difficulty of handling such confessions with grace. Quote: "You can be really tough the way you do it, or you can be nice." [89:34]
Conclusion: Both hosts concur that the groom acted appropriately to protect his marriage, acknowledging the delicate nature of the situation while upholding his commitment to his fiancée.
Update: No further updates were provided as the story remains fresh.
Story 2: "My husband forgot he was married while on a guy's trip and now there's a baby involved" [99:42]
In the final story, Morgan explores a troubling post where a woman discovers her husband fathered a child during a bachelor trip, under the guise of separation.
Key Points:
- Situation: The husband claimed to be separated and admits to impregnating another woman, presenting evidence like photos and text messages.
- Morgan's Analysis: She expresses horror and emphasizes the importance of immediate legal and therapeutic actions.
Quote: "Lawyer therapist. Both." [101:42] - Angela's Perspective: Angela supports seeking both legal counsel and therapy, noting the severity and emotional impact of such revelations. Quote: "Both Lawyer Therapist. Movers." [101:42]
Conclusion: The hosts advocate for comprehensive action, including legal steps and mental health support, to navigate the profound betrayal and its implications on all parties involved.
Update: The story remains unresolved, with the hosts urging the protagonist to take decisive steps towards addressing the situation.
Closing Thoughts
Throughout the episode, Morgan and Angela navigate a spectrum of intense and sometimes humorous relationship issues, offering listeners a blend of empathy, humor, and practical advice. Their discussions underscore the complexities of human emotions and the importance of setting boundaries, communication, and seeking professional help when faced with challenging personal dilemmas.
Notable Quotes:
- Angela: "I can't be cute. I can't be hot, I can't be delicate. I can't be funny. I can't be anything in this weather." [03:50]
- Morgan: "Your partner should know, too, because... there's a lack of respect." [09:20]
- Angela: "You have to be emotionally honest with your partner no matter what." [33:42]
- Morgan: "Being human is sometimes being icky. Right. Beautiful." [51:47]
Final Remarks: Morgan and Angela wrap up the episode by reinforcing the importance of mutual respect and understanding in relationships, leaving listeners with thoughtful reflections on the stories discussed.
Connect with Morgan and Angela:
- Morgan's Instagram: @morgsyabsher
- Angela's Instagram: @angelagiaratana
- Exclusive Bonus Stories: Patreon - Two Hot Takes
- YouTube Channel: Two Hot Takes on YouTube
- Merchandise: Two Hot Takes Shop
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