What we can learn from our first Love! (How we can help other navigate heartbreak)

Ever wondered why your first experience with love was so intense and how it might still be affecting you?  In this episode of Sinead Says, I'm sharing my first love story – the good, the bad, and the intensely toxic moments – and unpacking the crucial lessons it taught me about emotions, heartbreak, and the long-lasting impact of young love. We explore why these early experiences can be so damaging and discuss practical ways to heal, build emotional intelligence, and foster healthier relationships in the future. 

Timestamps:

* 00:00 Intro & Weeks Flying By!
* 00:26 Life Update: Big Trip Coming!
* 01:45 Today's Topic: Mastering Your Emotions from Young Love
* 02:09 Content Note: Serious Discussion Ahead
* 02:31 Sponsored by BetterHelp Online Therapy
* 03:32 Book Club Insights: First Experiences of Love
* 05:19 My Intense & Toxic First Relationship Story
* 06:17 Emotional Manipulation: A Common, Painful Experience
* 08:22 How Early Relationships Shaped Me (and maybe you too!)
* 10:37 The Need for Better Emotional Education
* 11:03 "Self Science" - Learning About Our Own Emotions
* 13:42 Why Young Love & Heartbreak Feels SO Overwhelming
* 16:25 Ways We Can Support & Heal:
* 16:25 - Normalising Grief & Pain
* 18:35 - Teaching Emotional Regulation Early
* 20:03 - Understanding Emotions: Hurt, Frustration, Fear, Guilt
* 24:36 - Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability
* 25:15 - Challenging Love Myths & Unrealistic Expectations
* 26:34 - The Role of Creativity & Individual Identity
* 29:00 Book Spotlight: "Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman
* 30:46 Key Takeaways: Emotional Regulation is Learned
* 31:14 Closing Thoughts & How to Get Support

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📝 ABOUT
Sinead Hegarty hosts The Sinead Says Podcast, where she helps women understand emotions, human behaviour, relationships, and psychology. Passionate about mental health and personal growth, she shares practical tools and insights that empower women to take control of their minds and live purposefully.

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