How Women Slowly Abandon Themselves in Love - The BBC Podcast Ep:5 SE:2026

In this raw and intimate episode of *Between Both Cheeks*, hosts Luba and Elizabeth Ma, a lawyer and close friend, confront the painful yet transformative journey of women abandoning themselves in long-term relationships—particularly those marked by emotional neglect, infidelity, and systemic self-suppression. Drawing from their personal experiences, they explore how decades of overfunctioning, people-pleasing, and living inauthentically erode a woman’s sense of self, often manifesting as physical illness, anxiety, and sexual disconnection. The episode unfolds through pivotal moments: a cheating partner’s watch revealing betrayal, a home office cockpit lighting up with hidden messages, and the visceral realization that one’s body is rejecting a toxic environment. They emphasize that leaving isn’t a sudden decision but a slow unraveling of denial, fueled by internalized shame and fear of judgment. Despite the emotional chaos, they celebrate the liberation that follows—reclaiming autonomy, rebuilding self-worth, and embracing joy, connection, and authenticity with other women. The conversation also critiques societal expectations, the legal realities of separation in British Columbia, and the importance of financial and legal preparation before leaving. Ultimately, they deliver a powerful message: you don’t need to be ready to leave—you just need to stop pretending you’re okay.