Why do empaths so often find themselves entangled with narcissists? And more importantly — how do you break free from that exhausting cycle without losing your empathy, kindness, or compassion?

In this episode of the Really Personal Podcast, Mary Ann Addis gets real about her own journey as an empath and the hard lessons she had to learn after repeatedly attracting narcissistic partners. From love-bombing to gaslighting, she breaks down the early signs of narcissistic behavior, the hidden traps empaths often overlook, and the practical tools you need to protect your energy.

You’ll walk away knowing:

• The difference between narcissistic traits and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).
• Red flags to recognize in the early stages of relationships.
• Tangible phrases to use when someone gaslights you or dismisses your feelings.
• How to set boundaries that keep your empathy intact but guarded.
• Why healthy, mature partners want these conversations and respect your voice.
  
  

If you’ve ever felt drained, silenced, or “too much” in a relationship, this episode will give you hope, clarity, and strategies to step out of old patterns and into your worth.

✨ Get the full show notes HERE!

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Order the Life Journals & Self-Care Planners to get it in time for the holidays + gift-giving season! Can’t wait to see how this new daily habit blends into your life!

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Ever feel like life looks “good” on paper—job, relationships, routines—but inside it all feels flat? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Really Personal Podcast, we dig into why doing everything “right” can still leave you running on autopilot—and how the simple act of romanticizing the ordinary can completely elevate your life.

This isn’t about luxury or perfection. It’s about intention. From plating your food to creating bedtime rituals, you’ll learn practical ways to stop giving yourself scraps and start treating your everyday moments as sacred.

Because when you romanticize your life, you stop existing—and start living.

✨ Want book recommendations and a deeper dive into today’s episode? Head to Mary Ann Life for full shownotes and more.

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To see more, visit Mary Ann Life

Order the Life Journals & Self-Care Planners to get it in time for the holidays + gift-giving season! Can’t wait to see how this new daily habit blends into your life!

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Ever feel like you’re the one holding it all together—at work, at home, in your relationships—and yet you’re the most exhausted person in the room? That’s not weakness. That’s compassion fatigue, and it might be silently draining your joy, your energy, and even your sense of self.

In this episode of The Really Personal Podcast, Mary Ann Addis breaks down why good people get tired of being good people—and how to shift from over-functioning and guilt to boundaries, clarity, and peace. We’ll talk about the emotional labor of always being the “reliable one,” why empathy without limits becomes a trap, and the small but powerful changes you can make to stay soft without being stepped on.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why am I so damn tired when I’m just trying to do the right thing?”—this conversation is for you.

✨ Want to go deeper? Read the full shownotes and connect with Mary Ann on Instagram @mary.ann.life for more conversations on mindset, relationships, and living with purpose.

Tune in. Take a breath. And let’s get personal.

Takeaways

• Nearly three out of five adults feel emotionally drained.
• Compassion fatigue affects anyone who carries emotional weight without rest.
• Being kind shouldn't mean being depleted.
• Setting boundaries is essential for emotional well-being.
• Rest is a right, not a reward.
• You can be kind and still prioritize yourself.
• Understanding should be a bridge, not a trap.
• Every no to what drains you is a yes to what sustains you.
• You are not an emotional airbag for others.
• Goodness that costs you your joy is not true goodness.

Chapters
00:00 The Emotional Toll of Being Good
03:46 Understanding Compassion Fatigue
09:02 The Importance of Boundaries
14:56 Redefining Goodness and Self-Care
16:35 Practical Strategies for Emotional Well-Being
31:20 Conclusion: Embracing Your Worth

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To see more, visit Mary Ann Life

Order the Life Journals & Self-Care Planners to get it in time for the holidays + gift-giving season! Can’t wait to see how this new daily habit blends into your life!

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Is the relentless pursuit of happiness actually overrated? Welcome to a fresh and intriguing episode of the Really Personal Podcast, where we're turning conventional wisdom on its head. Today, we’re diving into a bold idea that challenges the norm. Everywhere we look, we’re inundated with the mantra to "chase happiness" and "live your best life." But what if these shiny, happy feelings aren’t the ultimate goal after all?

Join us as we peel back the layers and explore why happiness might not be the panacea we've been led to believe it is. Could it be that other emotions, experiences, or even struggles are what truly enrich our lives? Tune in as we challenge the status quo with warmth, wit, and a touch of edge, uncovering what really matters in the grand scheme of life. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation that’s sure to make you rethink your own pursuit of happiness.

Access detail shownotes plus book recommendations HERE!

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To see more, visit Mary Ann Life

Order the Life Journals & Self-Care Planners to get it in time for the holidays + gift-giving season! Can’t wait to see how this new daily habit blends into your life!

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Ever feel overwhelmed by the problems and emotions of others? Join us on the Really Personal Podcast to uncover the art of detachment. Learn how to care deeply without carrying unnecessary stress. Discover the benefits of detachment, practical strategies to cultivate it, and ways to apply it in your relationships and career.

• Understanding Detachment and Its Benefits
• Practical Strategies for Cultivating Detachment
• Applying Detachment in Relationships and Careers
• Nurturing Self-Love and Self-Care Through Detachment
• The Impact of Detachment on Personal Growth and Mindset

Embrace self-love and personal growth by practicing detachment for a more balanced, fulfilling life. Don't forget to subscribe and binge our other episodes for more insights! For detailed show notes, visit our website!

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Order the Life Journals & Self-Care Planners to get it in time for the holidays + gift-giving season! Can’t wait to see how this new daily habit blends into your life!

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Have you ever found yourself reminiscing about the one that got away? Wondering about the path not taken, or perhaps, imagining a reunion with a past love? You're not alone. In this episode, we're peeling back the layers on the allure and the ache of rekindling old flames. We'll hear from those who dared to reignite their past loves, the triumphs and trials, the heartbreak, and the unexpected outcomes.

• Facing Past Hurts
• Rediscovering Lost Connections
• Weighing the Risks and Rewards
• Communication is Key
• Moving Forward

Are some loves best left in the past? Join us as we explore these questions and more, offering insights, advice, and maybe, just maybe, a new perspective on love's enduring power to surprise us. So, plug in, settle down, and let's embark on this journey together. Because sometimes, love deserves a second chance.

Read the SHOW NOTES!

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To see more, visit Mary Ann Life

Order the Life Journals & Self-Care Planners to get it in time for the holidays + gift-giving season! Can’t wait to see how this new daily habit blends into your life!

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Welcome to "Wander Without Worry," the podcast that invites you to embrace the beauty found within travel challenges. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of navigating the unknown, the unexpected, and the uncertain while on the road. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems of personal growth and self-discovery that can only be unearthed when we wander without worry. Get ready to embark on a journey like no other, where every setback is a stepping stone and every obstacle is an opportunity to find beauty in the most unlikely of places. Tune in now and let's wander together, fearless and free.

• Start with a Positive Mindset
• Plan Ahead for Smooth Travels
• Adapt and Embrace the Unknown
• Focus on the Excitement and Possibilities
• Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
• Embrace the Journey, Challenges and All

Remember, your attitude towards challenges can make a significant difference. Let's start!

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To see more, visit Mary Ann Life

Order the Life Journals & Self-Care Planners to get it in time for the holidays + gift-giving season! Can’t wait to see how this new daily habit blends into your life!

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In this podcast episode, we explore the concept of learning from mistakes without falling into the trap of self-blame. By doing an 'autopsy' of your relationship with failure, you can identify what went wrong, what you can change, and what valuable lessons you can take away for future growth. Exploring the concept of learning from mistakes without falling into the trap of self-blame can lead to valuable growth and self-understanding.

• Identifying Mistakes and Lessons Learned
• Practicing Self-Compassion and Forgiveness
• Embracing Imperfection and Growth
• Moving Forward with Confidence
• Learning Life Lessons Minus the Blame
• Be Kind to Yourself

By taking a proactive approach to learning from mistakes, practicing self-compassion, and embracing imperfection, you can move forward with confidence and growth, ready to face future challenges with a positive mindset.

Access the detailed SHOW NOTES!

Send us a text

Support the show

To see more, visit Mary Ann Life

Order the Life Journals & Self-Care Planners to get it in time for the holidays + gift-giving season! Can’t wait to see how this new daily habit blends into your life!

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