#85 Navigating Separation, Emotional Cheating, and Reconciliation: A Journey to Rebuilding Love with Keileigh Yeend

In this episode of The Confident Mompreneur, your host Kyrie delves deep into the complexities of marriage, separation, emotional cheating, and the inspiring journey of reconciliation. Kyrie is joined by a remarkable guest, Keileigh Yeend, a therapist, wife, and mother, who opens up about her tumultuous relationship with her high school sweetheart and the father of her child.

For 19 years, Keileigh and her husband shared their lives, growing up together in every sense of the word. They embarked on the adventure of marriage at a young age, navigating the challenges of transitioning from selfish young kids to responsible parents while trying to maintain the high school romance that brought them together. But as they embarked on the journey of parenthood, they realized they were growing apart.

Keileigh reflects on feeling like they were parallel living, their ideals of the perfect relationship shattered. They were no longer on the same page, and the love she once felt had dwindled. The breaking point came after 14 years of togetherness, and Keileigh made the difficult decision to separate.

Living apart and dating other people, it seemed like divorce was on the horizon. However, when the prospect of sharing family trips to Disney with someone new emerged, Keileigh realized she couldn't let go of her history and the shared traumas with her partner.

The couple turned to counseling, hoping to find a way forward. Surprisingly, they discovered they both wanted to put in the time and effort to consciously rebuild their relationship. Keileigh describes the essential steps they took to reshape their perspectives on what their relationship should look like. Letting go of toxicity and addressing the issues that led to emotional cheating was no easy feat.

In this candid conversation, Keileigh shares the importance of recognizing and breaking old patterns and toxic cycles. She emphasizes the need to release unrealistic expectations of each other and communicate their needs openly. Vulnerability and self-reflection played a significant role in their journey, as they learned to let go and acknowledge their own flaws.

Keileigh and Kyrie discuss the fears that often sabotage relationships and how they can become self-fulfilling prophecies when left unaddressed. They stress the significance of taking accountability for one's role in relationship issues, and learning about their partner's love languages and attachment styles.

Throughout the episode, they explore the attachment styles proposed by Stan Tatkin – the island, anchor, and wave – and the importance of breaking codependence while finding happiness within oneself. They recognize that sometimes divorce is the right option if both partners aren't fully committed to making real, lasting changes.

Keileigh and Kyrie also touch on the importance of keeping personal issues within the relationship and not involving outsiders. Letting go of past grudges and the challenges of discovering one's authentic self after getting married young are explored.

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as Kyrie and Keileigh reveal that relationships are indeed hard work, but with dedication, communication, and a willingness to change, it's possible to rebuild love and emerge stronger than ever. Contact Keileigh: keileigh@skyecounseling.org 307-223-2172

Psyc Today Link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/keileigh-yeend-laramie-wy/928156

Other Resources: Relationship Alive Podcast - Neil Sattin

Books:

The Monogamy Myth - Peggy Vaughan

Wired for Love - Stan Tatkin

The New Rules of Marriage - Terrence Real

Conscious Uncoupling - Katherine Woodward Thomas

Growing Your Separate Ways - Leah Ruppel 

Find Kyrie: @theconfidentmompreneur