I'm a Minimalist - But My Mom Won't Stop Buying Me Stuff!

True Home Confessions

What happens when your mom’s love language is gift-giving—but you’re drowning in things you don’t want? In this episode, we explore a common struggle: how to navigate family dynamics when your minimalist lifestyle clashes with parents' well-meaning gifting habits. Today’s confessor lives in a tiny apartment, follows a minimalist lifestyle, and loves simplicity… but her mom insists on buying her expensive, not-her-style clothes—and refuses to let her get rid of them. Even worse? Mom checks to make sure they’re still there.

Why do some parents express love through material things? And how do you set boundaries with parents without ruining your relationship?

In each episode, we bring on a 'Friend of the Show' - to offer our caller some friendly advice. Coauthor of the Substack 'How To Be Less Old' and owner of The Montage Queen, Deanna Cheng joins us in the studio to talk through this problem that sounds like a dream to some of us - too many gifts! Deanna has thoughts on how to handle unwanted gifts, and on how our confessor might manage her stubborn Mama.

Next: we bring on our expert, Lori Gottlieb, Therapist and New York Times bestselling author of 'Maybe You Should Talk to Someone.' We determine if our caller should be taking Deanna's friendly advice, and hear a powerful strategy from Lori for dealing with people you love who aren't listening to your wishes. Lori and host Laurie March dig down into this relationship, and Lori shares the impact of disrespectful gifts, and how to appreciate support while maintaining independence. Who doesn't need some Lori Gottlieb advice?

FRIEND OF THE SHOW: Deanna Cheng

https://howtobelessold.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/deannamcheng/

https://www.themontagequeen.com/

Deanna Cheng is an actor, writer and director. She's been seen on Black Monday, GLOW, Bajillion Dollar Properties, and as guidance counselor Ms Fleming in the reboot of Heathers. Deanna co-created Comedy Central's digital series UNSEND with Matt McConkey and Paul Scheer, hosted by Patti Harrison and Joel Kim Booster. She also directed the solo show, HOMEBREW, which was featured at Edinburgh Fringe festival.

Deanna is the owner of The Montage Queen, a boutique montage company that curates unforgettable videos that you’ll revisit for years to come.

EXPERT: Lori Gottlieb

https://lorigottlieb.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lorigottlieb_author/

Lori Gottlieb is a psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, which has sold over two million copies and is currently being adapted as a television series. In addition to her clinical practice, she is co-host of the popular “Dear Therapists” podcast produced by Katie Couric and writes The Atlantic’s “Dear Therapist” advice column. She is a sought-after expert in media such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, CNN, and NPR’s “Fresh Air” and her TED Talk was one of the Top 10 Most Watched of the Year. Learn more at LoriGottlieb.com or by following her on Instagram @lorigottlieb_author and Twitter @LoriGottlieb1

HOST: Laurie March

https://www.instagram.com/laurie_march/

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Call the Confession Line and Leave A Confession: 323-716-2107. By leaving a message, you grant the True Home Confessions show permission to use your audio message.

Audio post production: Scott Ecklein Swayze

https://www.soundsbyswayze.com/

(00:03) CONFESSION: Gift Giving Dilemma

Marina struggles with her mother's expensive gifts, feeling misunderstood and guilty, as she's a minimalist.

(09:11) FRIENDLY ADVICE: Deanna Cheng has ideas for how to deal with this shizz

Mother-daughter relationship, expensive clothes, small living space, redirecting gestures.

(17:36) EXPERT ADVICE: Lori Gottlieb: Establishing Healthy Boundaries With Parents

Effective boundaries involve clear communication and consistent enforcement to manage actions and foster respectful relationships.

(26:50) EXPERT ADVICE: Lori Gottlieb: Navigating Generational Differences & Minimalism

Minimalism reduces stress by simplifying life, prioritizing sustainability and authenticity, and respecting individual preferences and boundaries.

Brought to you by Renewal by Andersen

This episode is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen. So, if you need a window or door upgrade, here's an offer: Buy One window or door and Get One 40% off- plus an additional $200 off your entire purchase when you buy four or more. Special financing is available.

Are you in? Give Renewal by Andersen a call at 844-290-2458.

Tell ‘em I sent you!

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Brought to you by Renewal by Andersen

This episode is brought to you by Renewal by Andersen. So, if you need a window or door upgrade, here’s an offer: Buy One window or door and Get One 40% off - Plus an additional $200 off your entire purchase when you buy four or more. Special financing is available. Are you in? Give Renewal by Andersen a call at 844-290-2458. https://thcshow.co/Renewal Tell ‘em I sent you!