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What happens when mental health challenges intersect with romantic relationships? In this candid conversation, Rob and Javan explore the delicate balance between vulnerability and self-protection when dating while managing mental health concerns.

The father-son duo tackles one of the most challenging relationship questions: how much of your mental health history should you share with a new partner, and when should you share it? Through personal stories and thoughtful analysis, they examine the consequences of both disclosure and concealment, comparing withholding information about serious mental health issues to hiding an STD before becoming intimate—a breach of trust that can permanently damage relationship foundations.

Rob introduces a powerful metaphor, comparing relationships to building houses: you might want similar features in each relationship, but the style and construction will inevitably differ. This fresh perspective emphasizes the importance of creating a new foundation with each partner rather than carrying expectations or unresolved issues from previous relationships. "Nobody has the upper hand. Nobody has the lower hand," Rob explains, highlighting how this approach allows both partners to be vulnerable about their challenges from the beginning.

The conversation moves through practical discussions about anxiety in relationships, the value of couples therapy as a proactive tool rather than a last resort, and how to distinguish between green and red flags when dating someone who's actively working on their mental health. Throughout, they maintain that while complete healing before dating isn't realistic, self-awareness and transparency are essential.

Whether you're currently in a relationship affected by mental health challenges or hoping to build a healthy connection despite past trauma, this episode offers compassionate insights and practical wisdom. Listen now to gain perspective on navigating one of modern dating's most common yet least discussed challenges.

Keeping Veterans Fit, Inc.
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