What does it really mean when someone can’t handle discomfort, conflict, or emotional needs?In this solo episode of True Northing, Kristen explores the concept of low emotional capacity—how it forms, how it shows up in relationships, and why some people experience their partner’s needs as a threat rather than an invitation to connect.From a nervous system perspective, she breaks down how emotional capacity is shaped in childhood, often through subtle patterns like emotional neglect, chronic rushing, or having feelings minimized or avoided. We’ll look at how these early experiences can create adults who deflect, defend, or shut down when faced with discomfort.Using real-life parenting and sibling conflict examples, we examine how well-intentioned reactions can unintentionally teach people-pleasing, emotional suppression, and difficulty tolerating difference—and how to do it differently.This episode is about building the ability to:• Stay regulated when emotions arise• Hold your own needs without erasing someone else’s• Tolerate disagreement without abandoning yourself• Raise children (and become adults) with high emotional capacityBecause true growth isn’t about avoiding discomfort—it’s about learning how to stay with it.Resources:—Get clarity on WHY you attract certain partners and WHAT your relationship conflicts are actually about at interconnectedlove.com—Shop LOAM for all things good for you and the Earth www.shoploam.comConnect with us!—Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/@truenorthing—Follow our Podcast Instagram: Instagram.com/@truenorthingpodcast—Have A Question You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Send us a note to thisisthecourse@gmail.com  Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.Themes: emotional capacity, low emotional capacity men, high emotional capacity, relationship expectations, emotionally unavailable men, emotional maturity in men, why men shut down, men who can’t meet needs, overwhelmed partner, attachment styles in relationships, anxious avoidant dynamics, emotional regulation, relationship triggers, why he can’t follow through, emotional unavailability, dating advice for women, relationship psychology, trauma and capacity, how to communicate needs, inner child wounds, emotional resilience, dating emotionally immature men, relationship red flags, why he gets defensive, improving emotional capacity