When Care Doesn’t Land: Recognizing Love Even When We Don't See It

The Circle: The Queer Men's Embodiment Podcast

Why is it that sometimes, even when care is offered freely, it doesn’t land? In this episode of The Circle, Eric and Tim unpack the messy, beautiful complexity of giving and receiving care.

From family dynamics and love languages to roommates, ex-husbands, and Provincetown coffee shop connections, they explore why care often misses the mark—and what we can do to better recognize and receive it. They share personal stories of frustration, vulnerability, and breakthrough, reminding us that effort, transparency, and trust go a long way.

This is an invitation to practice revealing what you need, honoring how others show care, and making sure the people you love actually feel it. Because if tomorrow never comes, will they know how much you cared?

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction: Why care is such a tender and complicated subject
02:45 – When Care Doesn’t Land: Eric’s family Christmas story
06:30 – Care Requires Vulnerability: Tim on courage and the glamorization of “not caring”
11:00 – “It’s Just a Yoga Class”: When dismissal misses the mark
15:25 – Different Languages of Care: Roommates, partners, and communication gaps
21:10 – Effort vs. Perfection: Why trying matters more than getting it right
26:05 – Love Letters to Friends: Tim’s reflections on Gordon and the power of reassurance
32:40 – Accepting Care as It’s Given: Shifting perspective with empathy and trust
37:00 – Closing Reflections & Sow: Care as ongoing practice and communication

Learn more, ask questions and practice along with us at www.myembodiment.com