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What is a situationship, really—and why do so many of us stay in almost-love far longer than we should?

In this honest and powerful episode of Rooted & Rising, Tara Mychelle sits down with author and speaker Case Erickson for a raw conversation about situationships, trauma bonds, self-worth, attachment patterns, emotional safety, and the courage to choose yourself.

Together, they unpack the painful space between connection and commitment—the kind of relationship where feelings are real, chemistry is real, but clarity, accountability, and security never fully arrive. Tara and Case explore how anxious attachment, avoidant behavior, codependency, childhood wounds, and fear of abandonment can keep us stuck in relationships that feel meaningful but remain misaligned.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt almost chosen, almost loved, almost committed to, and is ready to stop abandoning themselves for half-love.

Inside this conversation:

• What a situationship really is
• The difference between love and a trauma bond
• Why almost-relationships are so hard to leave
• How avoidant and anxious dynamics keep people stuck
• What it means to choose yourself without shutting down love
• How self-respect changes your standards in dating, work, and life
• Why healing your inner world changes what you accept outside of you

Case also shares pieces of his personal story, including relationship patterns, self-reclamation, and the moment he realized staying any longer would require abandoning himself.

And before the episode begins, Tara shares a message about her guide, Fuck Almost: Your Guide to Being Fully Chosen in Love and Self-Worth—created for anyone ready to break the cycle of almost relationships and reconnect with their value, worth, and sovereignty.

If you’ve been stuck in a situationship, trauma bond, or emotionally unavailable relationship, this episode will meet you there.

Listen now, and take one step closer to being fully chosen—starting with choosing yourself.

Support the show

If you’re finding yourself stuck in patterns—especially in relationships where you feel almost chosen but not fully—

👉 I created something for you.

F*CK ALMOST! is your guide to recognizing emotional limbo, breaking the pattern of ambiguity, and choosing clearly in love, work, and life.

Inside you’ll learn how to:

• Stop interpreting mixed signals
• Stop softening your needs
• Stop confusing intensity with alignment
• Set standards without apology
• Leave sooner when something isn’t fully aligned

This is not about chasing commitment.

It’s about becoming unavailable for almost.

Fully chosen starts with fully deciding.

👉 You can explore the guide here:
F*CK ALMOST - Your Guide to be Fully Chosen in Love, Work & Self Worth

Whether you’re ready to take that step now or simply sit with what surfaced today, trust this:

You’re not here to live in limbo.
You’re not here to shrink yourself to fit into someone else’s maybe.

You’re here to be rooted.
And you’re here to rise.

**If this show helped you root deeper into truth, you can Plant a Seed here. We appreciate the love and support. XO