The Reason You’re Attracted to Toxic People—And How to Break the Pattern for Good | Dr. Laura Berman (Fan Fav)

Women of Impact

This is a Fan Fav episode. On this episode, I’m joined by renowned relationship and sex expert, Dr. Laura Berman, to get to the heart of what drives attraction, love, and desire. Dr. Laura sheds light on why those first-date butterflies may actually be your body’s warning signal—and how our old wounds and subconscious patterns sneak into our relationships. We go deep on navigating chemistry, uncovering our personal love maps, recognizing when trauma is running the show, and rewriting the scripts that keep us stuck.

Dr. Laura brings her signature warmth, science-backed wisdom, and practical tools for building emotional and physical intimacy—from healing childhood wounds, to manifesting the partnership and feelings you truly desire, to reigniting passion in long-term love. Whether you’re just starting to date again or struggling inside a decades-long marriage, this conversation is packed with aha moments you won’t want to miss.

SHOWNOTES

• The truth about “love at first sight” vs. “lust at first sight”—and why butterflies signal something deeper

• [00:02:03] How to tell the difference between chemistry, anxiety, and real connection

• Why we keep repeating unhealthy patterns—and how to break free from “repetition compulsion”

• [00:06:43] Practical tools for tuning into your body and listening to its wisdom on dates

• The basement of shame: How unhealed childhood wounds shape our relationships and attachment styles

• How to “invite your wounds to tea”—embracing self-compassion to heal past trauma

• [00:22:11] Manifesting love: Why how you want to feel matters more than ticking off boxes

• The sex/romance stalemate: Breaking down gender differences in intimacy and how to bridge the gap

• [00:48:35] Reclaiming your sexuality—why self-stimulation is key for women’s pleasure and empowerment

• Scheduling sex, stoking connection, and creating lasting intimacy in long-term relationships

FOLLOW DR. LAURA BERMAN:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlauraberman/
Website: https://drlauraberman.com/
Podcast: The Language of Love—available on your favorite podcast platforms
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drlauraberman
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drlauraberman

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