Judgment is one of the most hidden—but most powerful—forces keeping recovery stuck. In this episode, we take a deep dive into malignant self-judgment—the toxic inner dialogue that convinces unfaithful partners they are irredeemable, unworthy of love, and incapable of change.

We explore how internalized shame, perceived judgment, and self-condemnation erode emotional safety, block empathy, and shut down intimacy. More importantly, we offer tools to help you reframe, reconnect, and rebuild—starting with how you see yourself.

In this episode:
• The 4 kinds of judgment in recovery (actual, perceived, internal, wise)
• What makes self-judgment “malignant” and how it sabotages repair
• How shame turns into emotional paralysis and relational avoidance
• Why self-condemnation is not humility—it’s self-protection
• How to shift from identity shame to responsible action
• Tools to reality-check judgmental thoughts and reclaim relational leadership

“You are not your worst moment. You are not your shame. You are capable of repair.”

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Email us at: AskTheUnfaithful@gmail.com

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To Healing,

James and Sam

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Our Website: www.AskTheUnfaithful.com

Contact us: AskTheUnfaithful@gmail.com

Find James & Sharon at the CORE Relationship Recovery website: www.HopeForUs.com

Find more from Sam at Sam's Healing Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@samshealingpodcast

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