How to Stop Asking 'Are You Mad at Me?'

In this episode of Modern Love, Anna Martin interviews therapist and author Meg Josephson about her new book, "Are You Mad at Me?" which explores the phenomenon of constantly worrying about whether you've upset or disappointed others. Meg discusses how this tendency, known as fawning, stems from childhood experiences, particularly volatile or emotionally neglectful family dynamics. She shares personal anecdotes, including a story about struggling to choose a towel color as an adult, illustrating how deeply ingrained this people-pleasing behavior can become. The conversation also touches on the importance of acknowledging and processing difficult emotions like anger and resentment, and Meg reads an essay about a woman who finds a temporary sense of belonging with her best friend's loving family, highlighting the longing for parental affection and understanding.