Dear Chelsea

Minisode: Gold-Star Gay with Chelsea + Catherine

26 min
Apr 10, 20269 days ago
Listen to Episode
Summary

Chelsea Handler and Catherine discuss a caller named Kristin, a gay woman struggling with insecurity in her relationship with a bisexual partner, exploring how past trauma and societal narratives about LGBTQ+ relationships fuel unfounded fears. The hosts emphasize distinguishing between intrusive thoughts and genuine intuition, and provide practical advice on managing negative self-talk and building confidence. The episode also includes a segment on women-only hiring services and a veterinarian's question about addressing gender disparities in her practice.

Insights
  • Negative self-talk rooted in societal messaging (especially for LGBTQ+ individuals) is a narrative choice, not reality; distinguishing thoughts from facts is critical for relationship health
  • Insecurity in relationships often stems from internalized cultural narratives rather than actual partner behavior; recognizing this pattern allows for intentional mindset shifts
  • Confidence is attractive and reciprocal; when insecurity manifests as controlling behavior or constant reassurance-seeking, it can create self-fulfilling prophecies of relationship failure
  • Trauma-informed therapy and journaling can help identify triggers and patterns, enabling people to separate work-related problem-solving mindsets from personal relationship dynamics
  • Consumer behavior (voting with dollars) toward women-owned and women-led services is emerging as a conscious choice among women seeking safer, more aligned professional experiences
Trends
Rise of women-only service platforms (e.g., Rent a Butch, Not A Man Solutions) reflecting consumer preference for female service providersIncreased awareness of gender disparities in professional settings (veterinary, medical) and younger generation expectations for leadership to model boundary-settingGrowing discourse around bisexuality in relationships and the insecurity it triggers in partners, particularly within LGBTQ+ communitiesMental health focus on distinguishing intrusive thoughts from intuition; journaling and self-talk practices as mainstream wellness toolsLong-distance relationships reframed positively as enabling independence, reduced anxiety, and deeper trust-building among younger professionals
Companies
Netflix
Chelsea Handler performing at Netflix is a Joke festival on May 6th in Los Angeles at the Saban Theater
iHeart Media
Production company and distributor of the Dear Chelsea podcast and other shows mentioned in the episode
People
Chelsea Handler
Primary host providing relationship advice and personal insights on insecurity, confidence, and LGBTQ+ narratives
Catherine
Co-host contributing perspective on gay relationships, Southern context, and long-distance relationship experiences
Kristin
32-year-old gay woman with PhD working on equality in Arkansas, seeking advice on relationship insecurity with bisexu...
Dr. Amy
Female veterinarian with goat farm writing about gender disparities in veterinary practice and open-toed shoe safety ...
Alyssa
Provided update on boyfriend's attitude toward dog sleeping in bedroom after episode aired and community feedback
Pooja Bhatt
Promoted her weekly podcast 'The Pooja Bhatt Show' on iHeart Radio discussing addiction, film, and personal stories
Quotes
"That negative talk in our brains, it's a narrative that every single person has. And it's up to you if you're going to decide to listen to that narrative."
Chelsea HandlerMid-episode advice segment
"Your thoughts are not reality. They're just thoughts. You could always be like, oh my God, am I going to have it? Like am I going to do well tonight or am I going to do well at my job?"
Chelsea HandlerRelationship advice segment
"I think when you look into the gay community as a gay woman, it's all of these things that we've been taught, well, it's not going to work out because you're gay."
CatherineDiscussion of LGBTQ+ narratives
"There's pieces you can buy at the store. And we all know that."
Chelsea HandlerBisexual partner insecurity discussion
"I don't want to waste it on something that's not real. And it's also just differentiating the things that you can have control over and the things that you can't."
CatherineMindfulness and presence discussion
Full Transcript
This is an I Heart podcast. Guaranteed human. No gloss, no filter. Just stories. Spoken without fear. A person who is not generous cannot be an artist. The world will be at peace only when it is ruled by poets and philosophers. Listen to my weekly podcast, the Pooja Bhachon on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Come for the honesty, stay for the fire. Season sees a ply. 18 month contract. Prices may rise during contract. Check availability at gigaclear.com. Nothing beats a jet-to holiday. Right now, we've got some great deals available. Plus, you'll get the best choice of our free child place holidays. Book now with just a £60 deposit per person. Enjoy flexible monthly payments and now you can go direct from London Gatwick. Nothing beats a jet-to holiday. Package holidays you can trust. Adrenaline protected. Subject to availability conditions. OK, for the high and mighty to our people, we are rocking and rolling. These are the shows we have coming up. Chicago, April 10th, I start Chicago. Then I have Indianapolis on the 11th and then Louisville, Kentucky on April 12th. April 16th is Albuquerque. April 17th is Mesa, Arizona. April 23rd is Kansas City, Missouri. April 24th is St. Louis, Missouri. April 25th is Minneapolis. April 30th, Nashville. May 1st, Charlotte, North Carolina. May 2nd is Durham, North Carolina. May 6th in Los Angeles at the Saban Theater for Netflix is a joke. April 15th, I will be in Saratoga. April 16th, Monterey. April 17th, Modesto. I will be in Port Chester on June 4th. June 5th, I will be in Boston, Massachusetts. June 12th, I will be in Portland, Oregon. And June 13th, I will be in Seattle, Washington. June 27th is going to be Hyannis, Massachusetts. August 6th is Red Bank, New Jersey. August 7th, I'm coming home to Montclair, New Jersey. August 15th is Calgary, Alberta, Canada. September 18th, Santa Barbara. September 19th, San Diego. September 25th, I will be at the Beacon in New York City. September 26th, I will be in Philadelphia. September 27th, New Haven, Connecticut. October 2nd, Atlanta, Georgia. October 3rd, Baltimore, Maryland. October 4th, Saginaw, Michigan. October 9th, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. October 10th, Toronto, Canada. October 16th, I'm coming to Boise, Idaho. October 17th, Spokane, Washington. November 7th, I will be in San Francisco. And November 13th, Salt Lake City. November 20th, Austin. November 21st, Houston, Texas. November 22nd, Irving, Texas. December 5th, I am adding a second show in Denver for those of you who couldn't get tickets to the first one. And on December 6th, I will be coming to Vancouver, Canada. Okay, those are all my dates for the High and Mighty Door. Go to ChelseaHandler.com for tickets. Hi, Catherine. Hi, Chelsea. You know what, Chelsea, have you seen this thing online of people only hiring women? No, I love it. I had to tell you about this because I've been seeing sort of a movement online of like, why would I hire a man when I can just hire a woman to do this? Whether it's odd jobs around the house or going to a female dentist. I thought of that and I'm like, oh, my gosh, why have I been going to a male dentist? So I'm switching immediately. But there's even these, there's like a couple little companies that are like rent a butch where they can hire a woman to come and like install your shelves or whatever. Yeah, yeah. There's another one called Not A Man Solutions in the Dallas, Fort Worth area. So I don't know, that's just been coming across my... I love that because obviously, why not just try to avoid being sexually assaulted also while you're at it? Also. I had six doctor's appointments, so I was in LA for 24 hours, so I did all of my annuals. And four out of six of my doctors are women. My dentist is a woman, my gynecologist is a woman, my dermatologist is a woman. The only man that I went to that is... The only man that I saw is my internist. He's a man. Great. You know what, sometimes a man has got to slip in there, but... But sometimes they do have to slip in there, but yes, I love that. First of all, if you're a woman, you want a female doctor. I mean, that's just... It makes more sense. You just do. So sorry, guys. Yeah, and also like we're voting with our dollars whenever we spend a dollar, so like let's spend it with women. I love it. Voting with our dollars. Voting with our dollars. They say like when you are spending a dollar, wherever you're spending it, that dollar is a vote for something. So whether you're spending it at Amazon or you're spending it like shopping small for Christmas or whatever, you're voting with your dollars of what you want to see more of. So voting for women. Yeah, I'd like to see less of Amazon, that's for sure. Same. Okay, so I have an update right now from Alyssa, who called in on our Madeleine Petsch episode. She was the girl who her boyfriend didn't want the dog in the bedroom. Okay, got it. So she says... De acuerdo. Oh, no, no. De recordo. De acuerdo, yes. Okay, hi ladies. I wanted to update you about the situation. When the episode came out, I played it for my boyfriend. I don't think he realized how much of an asshole he was being about the dog free time until he heard others talk about it too. We talked about it more and since then, I've simply left the door to our bedroom open for my dog to come in and out as he pleases. Some nights he sleeps with us and other nights he chooses to stay on the couch. On top of that, I got a new job a couple of weeks ago and am able to work from home Mondays and Fridays which gives me much more one-on-one time with my dog than I had before. I think I was missing that and I'm beyond happy to have more time at home with him during the week. P.S. Tilt Chelsea to keep posting the Doug content. He's such a light during these dark times. Much love, Alyssa. Speaking of light during dark times, Doug is getting lighter in Whistler. Because of the... In color? Yeah, in color. His coat is getting lighter and lighter. And I was like, why does he have light brown streaks on him? And I asked my doggy, my person up there who takes care of him. Yes. And she was like, oh, when these types of dogs aren't exposed to the sun, their bodies, their coats get lighter. And when they're exposed to the sun, their coats get darker. And I'm like... Huh? What? And I don't know if it's just chow-chows or all dogs, but it's definitely chow-chows. So I'm going to have to follow up with those. But it was true. So his hair is like, he's got tints of red and blonde. I'm like, come on, buddy, let's get back to basics. I got you because you were black. I need you to stay black. Yes. Well, listen, can't blame a mother-boy for wanting highlights. And beyond. You don't need to work with the biggest people and the biggest sound to have great music. I have gone through this sub-CD, Hachakar. Reach the pinnacle. Stung by the snake and I've fallen down again. Yeah. I am not writing actively anymore. And when I see my old work, it kind of saddens me. I'm only as good as the last shot that I gave. Mom's gone, but don't shut the theater. The show must go on. Listen to my weekly podcast, the Pooja Bhachow on the iHeart Radio app. Apple Podcasts or wherever you buy and you get your podcasts. Come for the honesty. Stay for the fire. Okay, well, our caller today is Kristin and she is a lesbian in love with a bisexual girl. So she says, dear Chelsea, I'm a 32-year-old gay woman and came out at 23. Since then, I've unfortunately found myself in relationships with people who weren't good for me. Because of this, I sometimes struggle within securities. Even now, I'm finally in a healthy, loving relationship. I'm dating an amazing woman. She's 27, has a great career, and we truly have fun together. We communicate well, we laugh a lot, and I love her deeply. For the first time, I can see myself wanting marriage. Because of my past, I catch myself worrying that I'll somehow sabotage the relationship with my fears. Here's where my insecurity is creepin'. My girlfriend is bisexual, which I fully accept, but I've been cheated on in the past by a bi-partner. She cheated with a man. I sometimes spiral into thinking I'll never be able to offer what a man could, and it makes me worry she'll eventually leave. In our relationship, she also kept the door open with another woman before choosing me, which made me question whether I was really her first choice. She also tells me she finds me most attractive when I'm confident. And honestly, I get that, because I feel the same way about women. Confidence is hot, and I want to show up as the confident, badass woman that I know I am. But when my insecurities creep in, I feel her attraction fade, and then I spiral even more. I know I'm a catch, I have a solid career, I have a PhD, and actively work on equality in Arkansas of all places. But sometimes my fear of being left blindsides me, and I can't tell if it's my trauma making me feel this way, or if my gut is trying to warn me. I want to marry this woman. I want to trust her fully and stop doubting myself. But how do I know if these are just my insecurities and trauma talking, or if they're red flags I'm ignoring? Best, Kristen. Hi, Kristen. Hi. Hi. Those are insecurities. And you, as a woman, this is the most important lesson we can learn, is that that negative talk in our brains, it's a narrative that every single person has. And it's up to you if you're going to decide to listen to that narrative. If you're going to decide to listen to the little voice in your head, which is your ego, telling you, oh, maybe this isn't going to work out, maybe you're not good enough, maybe that person is going to cheat on you. If, if, if, if, if, if, if, if, there's nothing you can do to control anybody else's behavior. The only person's behavior that you're in control of is your own. So you have to reshape the things, the thoughts that you react to. You know as a woman what is in your gut. You know if a situation doesn't feel right, right? You've had that feeling. You know that. And then there's the differentiation between the thoughts in your head that just kind of like, you're lying in bed at night and you're like, oh, maybe I'm not this, or maybe they don't like me, or, you know, whatever your negative thought patterns are, that is not your intuition. That's just your negative narrative. And in order to change that, you kind of have to flip the script. You have to always be like, those are thoughts, those are, that's not a reality. She's with you. Take things at face value. Even if she was going to cheat on you, even if the worst of the worst was going to happen, there's nothing that your thoughts are going to do to control that behavior of hers. So you have to trust in your relationship and with this person that you feel this passionately about. Now, you have to trust you. You have to be like, I'm making a solid decision. She's given me evidence that she wants to be with me. She was honest about being with someone else and then choosing you to be with. That's not a negative, that's a positive. That's being transparent because she was, right? Yeah. And I think one of the things too that comes with being insecure, particularly for the gay community, I feel like as a gay woman that's openly like a lesbian, we from like coming out at like 30, you are taught that there is no healthy relationship for us. You know, like being in the South, which is why I do so much advocacy work with it, I think that a lot of people skip that part when it comes to why do we have insecurities? Because I think all women have insecurities. It's just the nature of it. But I think when you look into the gay community as a gay woman, it's all of these things that we've been taught, well, it's not going to work out because you're gay and all these things coming from the South, you know, not even, I didn't even, wasn't able to come out until 23. So whenever something negative happens, you go, oh, it's because of this. And that's like, you know, like stopping channeling that negative self-talk. And I think for the gay community, it's really there because we're just taught it's going to fail. And I think when you look at our relationship and things are working, if this was in a normal, like if I was dating men and I was, you know, straight, it would be a totally different world to me. I think where you'd be like, oh, they're with me. You don't have as many insecurities because we're taught, oh, that's going to work out. You know, like you can get married, which they're trying to take away from a facet of rapid pace. So I think those are things that just aren't, that lean into it. And surprisingly, she's now moved to New York. We're still together. She got a dream job in fashion in New York. Honestly, distance, who knew, is much easier for me, even with insecurities. Because it's like such a thing. Like I think you get time to like not think about that all the time and like work. I feel like you, I love long distance, not in a bad way. Like I love being with someone at the same time and having them here. But distance is nice because I'm able to filter through my thoughts and like work and do my own thing, but then not be focused on because she's here of like, oh, she could leave, you know, for some reason distance for me is like, oh, I can really value this person. Trust is really there. You have to lean on it. So there's no other way. But I think a lot of my insecurities come from that idea. The narrative that you've been told, which is not, which is a story, like there's thoughts and then there's facts and reality. Like your thoughts are not reality. They're just thoughts. You could always be like, oh my God, am I going to have it? Like am I going to do well tonight or am I going to do well at my job? Like if I go on, well, actually, I don't have these thoughts because I've had this conversation with myself. I mean, I'm not immune to them, but I work very hard at being able to delineate the thoughts in your head from the actions on the ground. You know, what's real is not what you're thinking. We all have insecurities around so many things and you've been fed a story and you're choosing to continue to eat that story instead of putting it aside and being like, no, actually, I'm going on to the next meal of my life, which is reality. You're in a situation, you're in love. And if something happens in that relationship to change the dynamic that you find out about, then that's a time to be like, OK, well, this is, this is face value. This is real. This isn't your imagination getting the better of you. So I think it's just an it's a practice and you have to really employ it. But you you don't have time for this old story. Like that's not helping you. Yeah. And I told Catherine, I think I had said that like I work where my whole job is just identifying problems, right? Like having a PhD, you're just built to identify problems and then the problem has to be fixed. And if there's no problem, then I have no job and it's useless, right? So I think to take that out of my work life and then it merges so much in a personal life, I think like your work identity and don't realize it because my brain's built to fix things and I don't want to fix a person. You know, I'm trying to fix myself if anyone in this. And it's just one of those things that makes it hard with so many things going through. But you're exactly right. It's like, how do I shut that off when I'm done at five and not bring it into this relationship to be like, there's a problem. I need to fix it. I mean, you should have this conversation with yourself out loud daily. Like you leave work and you're like, OK, I'm leaving my problem solving and problem creating and troubleshooting. Talking to yourself out loud is a powerful tool. Like you leave work, you're like, OK, I'm done with work. I'm done with troubleshooting. Now I get to go into my personal life and my real life. That's my work life and this is my real life. And I know exactly what you mean about bleeding personal life into professional life. My life is all kind of one big basket. But I do make sure that I have positive conversations with myself, constantly remind myself that I'm incredible, that I'm brave, that I help people and that, you know, so you have to do that for yourself too. And it doesn't you don't have to do it forever. You just kind of have to flip the channel. You know what I mean? Change the channel from the negative talk and the negative narrative that's been implanted in your brain from other people. That's not real. That's a story. And you're done with that story. You know, you can believe that story or you can move on with your life in a positive way. So I would start with saying talking to yourself in a really loving way every day, even when you get up, like, yeah, wake up and be like, I'm a fucking badass. I'm in a happy relationship. I have a great job. I'm going to go and kick ass today. And when you leave work, you're like, that's over. That part of my day is over. And now I'm going into my personal life and remind and write the things down when you do have these thoughts. Write it down. And this doesn't have to be a permanent habit either. It's just kind of a transition into a more positive state of mind and like a little bit more, I don't want to say self-esteem, but like self-assuredness within your relationship. Because listen, nobody wants to be with somebody who's insecure about being with them. It's not eternal. Yeah. Nobody likes that. You know that you don't like that. Yeah. I don't like that. It's, it's an ick. So you have to like, when you have those moments, you have to sit with yourself and say, what is this? Is this real? Or is this a story I'm telling myself? And I think it's a, it is a really common question that people who are dating someone who's bisexual, whether you're a man or a woman dating someone who's bisexual is like, Oh, am I going to be enough for them? And I would argue that you're more than. Yeah. You're bringing more to the table than a man. There's pieces you can buy at the store. And we all know that. Exactly. I don't get it. So I'm like, it's not me, but I always wonder, you know, you're like, Oh gosh, I don't want to be that. I can't compete. And I don't, I'm like, I'm not even in that. I'm like, I'm not competing with that. Like if that's, like, that is new. What you're saying is just, is so like vast and that's like me dating someone and being like, what if he meets a brunette? Right. Exactly. It's silly. It's because he's dated brunettes before. You know what I mean? Like it doesn't, it doesn't matter. You have to show up to your relationship and give, like give what you've got to give, and that's going to be enough. And if it's not enough, then you're going to move on to do something else. Even if the relationship were to blow up, you're going to survive that too. Like I'm here to tell you, everyone survives all of this stuff. You know, like we always think it's the end of the world. And we were so worried. I've been in that position when I've been in relationships where I've been like, she's going to cheat on me. I have to call him. I did it. You know, this is, you know, a very toxic relationship, obviously, but it's like, yeah, because when you think like that and you act like that, it's almost like you could kind of create that situation. It's like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Yeah. And it's so annoying. And I feel like I do a good job about not blowing up phones or like doing anything crazy. It's just one of those things where I'm like, what's hap- this has never happened to me before in my entire life either. That most of the time I'm like, oh, whatever, fuck it. Like, you know, but for the first time, I'm like, oh, I really like somebody. Is this ever going to happen again? And I'm like, they get along with my family. This never, you know, because being in the South, like finally someone that is gay that you can actually go and hang out with them and it's cool and it's fun and you get to not hide or like have to be like, oh, we're just friends, which is such bullshit. And it's, I'm in this moment where I like, oh my gosh, I actually care. And I never felt like insecure, like nervous or worried about different things. Because most of the time I'm like, oh, I'm just going to like kick ass in my job. I've got stuff to do. Like, and it's like, where is my confidence? And I hear other people make comments and then you look at stuff and you're like, am I crazy or is this like as good as it is? What do you mean you hear other people make comments? Like when we'll go, like we've hung out with a couple of her friends and they'll mention her being bisexual or be like, pick your, like, we'll say something about like men or bring it up. And then I feel like I get a little bit true because I'm like, oh my gosh, is that something that she still wants? And I'm like, wait, what? That and it's not her making the comment. So I'm like, why am I making this in my head? She's literally not even doing it. And then after is just like, I like, that's just stupid. Like, why do we worry about it? Cause she has other shit to do too. You know, so I think kind of dealing with stuff with like this year and everything, everything has me over thinking, looking at what's going on in the world. I'm like, this is too good to be true in these times, which is terrible, but that's just when those feelings come up, I think it's really important in that moment. If you can, like, obviously, if you're out with her friends and they say something like that, you're not going to go get your journal out. But, um, give me a second. I love it. You just triggered me. Yeah, I'm so sorry. But, but I think it's important to clock those moments, especially when you're alone and your mind starts to go, even if you're lying down at night, going to sleep and your mind is spinning, it's important to just like get up, write it down, go, this is how I'm feeling. This is what triggered it. What happened? Maybe it's nothing. Maybe it's just you and your, you know, going through your thoughts at the end of the day. But like identifying the times when you start to feel that way and what triggers it. Like for that example, it's perfect. That girl saying that triggered you. But then you get into your real self and you, and you know, wait, this has nothing to do with me. She didn't say it. They said it. You know, like it's not real again. It's part of a conversation. But I think if you write those things down and you recognize the pattern, it's easier to shift and pivot the pattern. And it's easier to remind yourself you're safe. You're in a great relationship and a loving relationship. You have a job. Like everything's okay. There's nothing for you to feel that way. But I mean, everything's not okay. The world's about to fucking end. But in your personal life, everything is okay. Right? Yeah. Things are stable. These are stable, you know? So yeah, I mean, I have to do that all the time. I'm like, you're safe. I have this gratitude journal on my phone and I'm like, you are safe. Like I get so wrapped up in the news and everything that's happening. And I have to remind myself, okay, you know, you're safe. You're happy. You have people who love you. You're protective. You know, like all of the things to remind yourself that like, there is no point in losing your shit over something. It just takes time away from happiness and joyfulness. Right now in this climate, everything is just like, I want to be intentional about it. You know, and it's like, I'm wasting my attention on something. It better be like marching in the street. You know what I mean? Like I don't want to waste it on something that's not real. And it's also just differentiating the things that you can have control over and the things that you can. I went to bed last night and I read this synopsis about AI that was so dark and so scary. And I was like, I obviously shouldn't have read that before I go to bed, but I shouldn't do half the things I do before I go to bed. And I was like, okay, I can either choose to be freaked out about what could potentially happen that I have absolutely no control over, or I can just be present and be loving and be kind and enjoy myself while before AI kills us all. You know what I mean? Like, let's focus on the moment that you're in and remember to focus on the moment you're in. And when you get out of that moment, it's because you're not present. You know what I mean? And your thoughts are racing. And so you have to try to get back into the present moment. And if it's happening at night, when you're sleeping, literally write down what you feel white, like if something triggered it, and then think about the things that do make you feel good, you know, focus your attention and intention on the things that are good in your life and all of the things that you can control. Yeah, for sure. And then, by the way, that just makes you a more attractive person all the way around. Do you know what I mean? No, for sure. I don't know. It's just been a weird time. It's a weird time right now. You know, I mean, I hate to say it's just a weird time to just kind of be I understand through stuff and everything feels like a problem. And it's, you know, there are so many good things to feel good about and be happy about. I mean, like you said so many positive things already. You said you have a long distance relationship that's even better than you expected. Like that's a victory that you're having a good reaction to it. That's a sign of maturity, a sign of independence. You know, like that's that's good that you feel that way. You're in a loving relationship with someone you're in love with that you want to spend the rest of your life with. That's a good thing. You have all these good things in your life, like fucking focus on them. For sure. Well, thank you so much for calling in and yeah, thanks for calling in. Yeah, thanks. You guys, that's Kristin. See you guys. Okay. No gloss, no filter, just stories, spoken without fear. Addiction is a disease and it should be looked upon as any other disease. How did you cope with a reckless father like me? Join me, Pooja Bhatt, as I sit down every week with directors, actors, musicians, technicians and beyond. You don't need to work with the biggest people in the biggest sound to have great music. I have gone through the sub-city, Hachak. The reach, the pinnacle, stung by the snag and I've fallen down again. Yeah, I am not writing actively anymore. And when I see my old work, it kind of saddens me. I'm only as good as the last shot that I gave. Mom's gone, but don't shut the theater. The show must go on. Listen to my weekly podcast, the Pooja Bhat Show on the iHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Come for the honesty, stay for the fire. Sounds like a lawnmower, doesn't it? But it's actually the sound of someone's dream coming true. Right about now. Dreaming is great. But what's better than knowing that this tiny patch of turf is yours and nobody else's? When it's time to realise your dream at Lloyd's, we're ready when you are. Britain's number one direct lender for first-time buyers. Mortgages on Lloyd's? Bank on Lloyd's. Based on monthly completion values, it's June to September 2025. To verify, see Lloydsbank.com forward slash bank on Lloyd's. All right, Chelsea, we're going to wrap up with a quickie that I feel like only you can answer. So Dr. Amy says, Dear Chelsea, I'm endlessly impressed with your ability to bring awareness and humour to the issues which continue to oppress and annoy women, particularly men in open toad shoes. I find feet in general pretty revolting, and I think that people should wear closed toad shoes at all times with rare exceptions. This view is not only for aesthetics, but for safety. I'm a veterinarian with a small goat farm, so nowhere in my world would expose toes be a good idea. As a female veterinarian, I'm often in situations where I'm treated with less respect to my male counterparts. It's not uncommon to enter an exam room and have a client wearing flip flops sitting down with their terrified dog hiding between their legs under the chair. This is a particular type of male client who will just sit there, completely unhelpful while I'm on my hands and knees trying to coax their dog out of their crotch and concurrently gagging at the sight of their nasty exposed feet. I'm also at a point in my career where I'm often working with young veterinarians, 85 or 80 percent of whom are female. I try to lead by example on how to handle microaggressions and gender disparities regarding the fit situation. I have always just sucked it up, but I don't want that for the younger generations. Do you think there's anything I can do differently? Sincerely, Dr. Amy. Yeah, Dr. Amy, put a sign outside your office that says footwear required, full footwear required, no open-toed shoes. And while I understand a lot of people go to the vet in an emergency situation, like that's OK. You're putting the message out there. You're putting the message out there. They're still going to get serviced, but we were crossed full foot coverage. There is nothing wrong with putting that on a sign or we appreciate full foot coverage. We appreciate full foot coverage. So it's more of a suggestion for safety. Yeah, for safety. And I think when you have to coax the dog out, that is something like you let the owner do, just ask them straight up, like, hey, can you get your dog to come over here so we can lift him up on the table or whatever? But make that the owner's responsibility to get the dog out from where they are. And I mean, I think 99 percent of people will comply. They're just not thinking straight to move their dog for you. So I would just say, yeah, can you bring your dog out and then we can get him on the table. But yeah, I think we agree with Dr. Amy. I think clothes, toe shoes, especially on men is ideal. I had to I was at a ski lodge, like a Helly ski lodge a couple of weeks ago. And there was a couple there that I was like, really, we were hanging out with it. And they were really cute. And we had a good time with them. But the man did wear flip flops at a ski lodge. And I had to look away and I was like, all right, this guy's going to get a pass because like, you know, I just having a good time. I were having a good time and I liked him. I didn't want to berate him. But, you know, I try to pick and choose my moments, but it was like, we're out of Helly ski lodge. We this time you want to break out your flip flops. Yeah, there is always there is like a weird thing where it doesn't matter how cold it is outside, even in the Midwest or the Northeast, like there will be a white man in shorts and flip flops, like somewhere there will be. It doesn't matter if it's 20 below. I who ever came up with flip flops needs to get sued. And I should be the one. I believe in it. I believe in it. I think you should. OK, well, that's all for this week. All right. Bye, guys. See you next week. If you want advice from Chelsea, write into Dear Chelsea podcast at gmail.com. Dear Chelsea is a production of I Heart Media. Follow Chelsea on all socials at Chelsea Handler and find Catherine on TikTok at flash Kadabra. Dear Chelsea is edited and engineered by Brandon Dickert, executive producer Catherine Law, find full video episodes and minisodes now on Netflix and get tickets to see Chelsea live at ChelseaHandler.com. No gloss, no filter, just stories, spoken without fear. A person who is not generous cannot be an artist. The world will be at peace only when it is ruled by poets and philosophers. Listen to my weekly podcast, the Pooja Bhachio on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Come for the honesty. Stay for the fire. Crisp, vibrant and bursting with citrus. Villamarie's New Zealand, Sylvignon Blanc is the perfect wine made to be enjoyed on every occasion. Whether you're soaking up the sun in your garden, hosting a backyard barbecue or unwinding after a long day, the zesty lime and lush tropical fruits are always delicious. 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