Replay: It Takes Two - What This Really Means When a Relationship is Imbalanced
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This episode of the Awakening Women Podcast unpacks the commonly misunderstood phrase 'it takes two to tango' in the context of emotionally imbalanced or abusive relationships. Host Leanna Uten challenges the idea that both partners are equally responsible when one holds power, control, or engages in harmful patterns. She emphasizes that while personal growth and self-reflection are essential, no one is responsible for another’s abusive behavior—especially when there's a consistent power imbalance. The host shares her own journey of rejecting victimhood while still taking full responsibility for her own boundaries, emotions, and growth. She warns against the manipulative tactic of shifting blame onto the partner who is already doing the work, calling it the 'countering game.' The episode guides women through recognizing red flags, maintaining self-awareness, and understanding that healing requires both partners to be actively engaged—but only if the abuse cycle has truly stopped. The core message is empowerment: you can reclaim your power, set firm boundaries, and choose whether to stay or leave with full clarity.
You are not responsible for another person’s abusive behavior, even if you’re doing the work on yourself.
The phrase 'it takes two to tango' does not apply in abusive or power-imbalanced relationships.
When someone shifts blame back onto you, it’s often a sign they’re avoiding accountability.
Healing a relationship requires both partners to be actively working on themselves, but only if the abuse cycle has ended.
Your body and emotions are valid signals—especially when you don’t want intimacy after abuse; this is a healthy response, not dysfunction.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Myth of 'It Takes Two' in Abusive Dynamics
“If you're a woman that one day does want to experience new love relationships, then if you believe all men are shit and that no one is good, then that is what you will attract because we always attract what is on that same vibration of our consciousness.”
Reclaiming Power: From Victim Consciousness to Self-Awareness
The host reflects on her journey of rejecting the victim label while still acknowledging moments of operating from victim consciousness. She emphasizes that perception and interpretation are choices, and that true power comes from self-reflection, boundary-setting, and emotional honesty.
The Manipulative 'Countering Game' and Blame-Shifting
“When you hear it takes two to tango, I actually really hate that when there truly has been an imbalance of power in a relationship.”
Abuse Destroys Love—Not You
“The abuse killed the love. And you need to remember that it does not take two.”
Healing Requires Two—But Only When the Cycle Stops
The final section outlines the conditions for healing: both partners must actively work on themselves, the abuse cycle must cease, and the survivor must maintain focus on their own growth. The host stresses that healing is not linear, and boundaries must be continually reinforced.
“The abuse killed the love. And you need to remember that it does not take two.”
“If you're a woman that one day does want to experience new love relationships, then if you believe all men are shit and that no one is good, then that is what you will attract because we always attract what is on that same vibration of our consciousness.”
“You're not responsible for his abusive behavior. You didn't cause it. You never have. He chooses that. That's his choice.”
Host
Leanna Uten
person
Awakening Women Podcast
media
End the Cycle
other
Awakening Women Support Facebook Community
other
Leanna Uten's Website
product
Konto
brand
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