Strategic Self vs Authentic Self: Navigating Platonic Intimacy, Attachment Styles, & Romantic Partnerships with Kristine Munro (Part 1)

In this episode, I take you behind the curtain with a very open and honest chat with my bestie, Kristine Munro about the friendship we have built over the years that has truly healed and changed me.

We talk about what it means to choose your authentic self over the strategic self: the one that stays quiet, plays small, and tries to keep everything “safe” - and how platonic intimacy is the gateway to understanding and healing relationship dynamics.

We touch on vulnerability, emotional safety, and triggers in friendships, and the importance of understanding your attachment style in the context of nurturing connections, both platonically and romantically. This conversation is a deep reminder that we are all mirrors to one another and that the relationship you have with yourself shapes every other relationship in your life.

It’s about healing in real time, being seen more fully, and letting love challenge you into growth.

Highlights:

(02:10) - Strategic Self vs Authentic Self and knowing the difference in relationships

(9:00) - Where Kristine triggers me and how it reflects in my romantic relationship

(16:30) - Love as a threat when it comes to attachment styles

(20:05) - Healing through giving love in the way we didn’t receive growing up

(22:15) - Why Kristine pulled away in our friendship and what it actually meant

(26:30) - Conscious friendships as a testing ground for romantic relationships & challenge as love

(30:35) - Building safety to expand your capacity for intimacy

(34:20) - How my friendship with Kristine has continued building my secure attachment in relationship

Listen to Kristine Munro’s podcast, Crystal Clear:

On Apple

On Spotify

Resources:

Join SJ’s Spring Writing Retreat: WRITE THE DAMN BOOK! 5/7-5/9 in Denver, CO

1. Follow SJ on Instagram
2. Download the Free Identity Workbook
3. Grab my SLAY YOUR STORY⚔🔥 Storytelling Masterclass here.
4. Buy The Less Effect on Amazon
5. Follow Landon Hail Press on Instagram
6. Download the Free Writing Guide for Aspiring Authors
7. Book A Free Consultation with Landon Hail Press

This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio