We hear you, ladies! One listener wrote in to tell us, "I have a village, but it is not a source of support, but rather a huge drain. They suck the life out of me!" The age-old saying "it takes a village" might not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the romanticized notion of a "village" and unravel the intricate web of familial dynamics. We share our journey of navigating the disappointment of unmet expectations in close relationships within the family and the challenges of understanding unique individual stories that shape our 'village.'Striving to outshine the previous generations can feel like walking a tightrope, especially when dealing with the complexities of in-laws and their expectations. Let's talk about how we grappled with these challenges and discovered the need for establishing clear boundaries. We step into the battlefield of family norms, the pressure to adhere to them, and how it can rock the very foundation of our philosophies. Listen in as we share our trials and victories in overcoming these hurdles.Lastly, we wade into the complex maze of expectations in family relationships. We candidly discuss setting explicit boundaries and explore the intriguing prospect of creating separate villages for our children and ourselves. We tackle the challenging task of handling criticism and share our thoughts on a healthy relationship. As we prepare for a short season break, we leave you with ideas to redefine your own 'village.'Don't forget to follow us to be notified about our return on Wednesday, August 16th. Continue sending us your queries and topics of interest. Until then, stay tuned and keep redefining your village.Connect with Us:Follow Honest Women Podcast @honestwomenpodcastFollow Jessica: @jlhutchisonlcpcFollow Andrea: @andreaburklyLearn more about the Honest Women Podcast: www.honestwomenpodcast.comHonest Women is the podcast for every woman juggling the demands of modern life (while trying to keep her shit together) and finding that it’s all just a little more difficult than she thought it would be.  Your hosts, Andrea Burkly and Jessica Hutchison, are two very real mental health professionals who are taking honest conversations from inside their offices to the outside world.Disclaimer:Please note while this podcast features two therapists, and may feel very therapeutic, this is not therapy! Please be entertained, and know that through our creative content, we are not providing mental health care. No diagnosis. No treatment. No medical advice. Just creative content. Please seek appropriate mental health support in the real world.