Nicole Vanzuidam, Ma, Lmft
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Emotional expression is foundational to meaningful connection, yet many people struggle to engage with it fully. Social and cultural norms often teach us to prize independence and emotional restraint. At the same time, popular culture frequently promotes the idea of “do what feels right for you,” which can unintentionally reinforce avoidance when discomfort arises. Healthy relationships require the ability to differentiate emotional safety from emotional discomfort, to recognize our patterned responses, and to choose vulnerability as a pathway to deeper intimacy and mutual understanding.