Welcome back to the Dynamics of Everyday Life. This week, we're channeling the unapologetic energy of Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones—not her questionable morals, but her boundary-setting prowess.

Classic scenarios get the “Cersei treatment”—from relentless school WhatsApp requests to the friend who treats your diary like a communal resource, plus the workplace colleague who turns a “quick five minutes” into an hour-long venting session.

[00:00:04 - 00:00:47]

Introduction to the episode, teasing why the topic is relevant and referencing Cersei Lannister.

[00:00:48 - 00:01:36]

Julia introduces Cersei Lannister as having strong boundaries and unapologetic energy, clarifying what's being "borrowed" from her character.

[00:01:37 - 00:02:18]

Shares Cersei's iconic "queen" quote (adapted for the podcast), then links her energy to saying no in everyday life.

[00:02:18 - 00:02:40]

Discusses common real-world situations where people say yes when they want to say no.

[00:02:41 - 00:03:18]

Lists everyday examples of over-giving or lack of boundaries—school chats, neighbors, emotional labor.

[00:03:18 - 00:03:54]

Explores why people let boundaries be pushed, referencing Matthew Hussey and psychodynamic concepts.

[00:03:55 - 00:04:36]

Looks at how over-giving relates to status and the desire to be liked, and contrasts with Cersei's attitude.

[00:04:37 - 00:05:08]

Brings up boundary-pushing behavior during holiday seasons (e.g., Christmas assumptions), with examples.

[00:05:09 - 00:05:52]

Workplace boundary examples and the idea of patterned behavior, mentioning repetition compulsion.

[00:05:53 - 00:06:41]

Advice on how to channel "Cersei energy" into valuing yourself and setting unapologetic boundaries.

[00:06:41 - 00:07:22]

Describes resentment stemming from under-valuing oneself, using a restaurant bill-splitting scenario.

[00:07:22 - 00:07:54]

Emphasizes why boundaries improve relationships, likens boundaries to rollercoaster safety bars.

[00:07:55 - 00:08:42]

Explains relationships are safer and deeper when both parties know the boundaries; shares a personal story.

[00:08:44 - 00:09:35]

How boundary issues play out in coaching: overextending, late payments, blurred access, etc.

Stay up to date! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and check out even more psychodynamic content at DynamicsOfEverydayLife.

Thanks for listening! If you found Cersei’s “no” inspiring, let us know—and start practicing your queen-energy boundaries.

Sign Up for your free Resource Sheet HERE

Connect with Julia:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram