Parenthood, Partnerships, and the Essence of Friendship - with Cat and Nat

This week, Dr. Tracy sits down for episode 2 of her mini-series highlighting the hard, less talked-about moments in relationships that we often don’t see on social media. This week, she’s joined by the hilarious and honest duo, Cat and Nat, to bring a fresh perspective on the realness of building and balancing strong friendships as adults and how rewarding it can be when you put yourself out there. Together, they delve into the nitty-gritty of maintaining the balance between personal needs and nurturing friendships—a struggle especially familiar to parents. They also highlight their experiences of being both friends and business partners and the importance of recognizing what each person brings to the partnership and the ebbs and flows of their relationship. Whether you're navigating the complex landscape of adult relationships or just looking to make new connections, this episode offers valuable insights into fostering meaningful bonds that truly last.    Today’s topics include:  Navigating personal needs and emotions while exploring friendships  The role of friendships in the lives of parents – an essential component often overshadowed by other commitments  Cultivating strong friendships, acknowledging that genuine connections take time to develop  The challenges faced by mothers striving to build adult friendships and sharing their vulnerabilities  The pivotal role parents play in teaching their children about the essence of friendship  Recognizing the reality that not every person will form a connection with you, and getting comfortable with it  Understand the value of recognizing individual strengths within a friendship and remaining flexible  Building resilience by embracing rejection and understanding that it's often not a reflection of personal worth    Be sure to follow Cat and Nat on Instagram @catandnat and listen to their podcast Cat and Nat Unfiltered. Be sure to also check our their business the Common Parent for resources for parenting teens and tweens.    You can pre-order my new book “I Didn’t Sign Up for This” here  Looking for more? Join me in my online teachings so you can feel like a team again.  Get intentional with your partner and reconnect with small actions every day with 28 Days of Love    Ready to learn how to repair? Take my FREE masterclass       Looking to improve your relationship? Join me in my online program, Be Connected      Deepen your Connection with your Partner: 100 Questions to Connect  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Welcome to Dear Dr. Tracy, the podcast that helps you navigate the everyday challenges of relationships, marriage, and parenting with expert advice and real, relatable conversations. Hosted by clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, this podcast is your place for honest, no-nonsense guidance on love, intimacy, boundaries, and communication. With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Tracy brings a mix of clinical expertise, evidence-based research, and personal insights as a wife and mother to help you break unhealthy patterns and build stronger connections. Each week, Dr. Tracy answers the questions so many of us have but don’t always know how to ask—about resentment, desire, mental load, and how to truly feel like a team with your partner. She’s joined by fellow experts, real couples, and her husband Greg, who offers a down-to-earth perspective on the struggles so many relationships face. If you’re ready for actionable tools and heartfelt conversations that will help you create a relationship that feels fulfilling, this podcast is for you.