05: What Happens When a Kid Doesn't Hear "I Love You"

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What happens when pulling away becomes the way you learned to stay safe? After Kristien names the possibility that she may not be able to stay in the relationship if alcohol remains such a powerful presence, Stijn is left confronting something he has not fully considered before: his own choices have an impact on whether the relationship survives. As Dr. Pavini turns the focus toward him, Stijn begins tracing a familiar pattern of withdrawal. Years ago, he retreated into a tiny boat cabin with bottles of wine and slowly stopped participating in life. Looking further back, he recognizes that leaving has been one of his oldest survival strategies, shaped by childhood abandonment and a father…