Projecting | Bryce & Chad

Okay, Lemon8 fam, let's talk about the DMs! 👋 Seriously, my inbox has been overflowing with messages asking if my husband, Chad Hansen, is truly okay. And honestly, it makes me laugh every time because, yes, he is absolutely thriving! I've seen some of the comments and the way people react when I jokingly call myself a 'soul crusher,' or when a boy projects their terrible relationship with women onto me and then worries about Chad's wellbeing. It's wild how quickly people jump to conclusions, isn't it? But let me set the record straight: Chad is not just okay, he’s my rock, my biggest supporter, and honestly, the only one who truly gets my sometimes-intense personality. We’ve been together for years, and he’s learned to navigate my vivacious, some might say 'soul crushing,' energy with grace and a wicked sense of humor. When people express genuine worry for his wellbeing, I just smile because they don't see the full picture of our dynamic or the deep connection we share. Our secret? A lot of laughter, an insane amount of communication (even when it's tough!), and a deep understanding that we're both unique individuals bringing our own strengths to the table. Chad, for instance, is incredibly calm and grounded, which beautifully balances my more… spirited approach to life. He often says my 'soul crusher' label is just me being passionate and direct, and he loves that about me. It’s not about me crushing his soul; it’s about us building a life where we both feel completely ourselves and empower each other. I think what often happens is that people see a strong, outspoken woman and automatically assume her partner must be suffering or constantly on edge, perhaps even a bit emasculated. But that's just not our reality. We challenge each other to grow, we fiercely support each other's dreams, and yes, we occasionally bicker about who left the dishes out or whose turn it is to walk the dog – but never about my 'soul crushing' tendencies! 😂 Our bond is built on mutual respect and genuine admiration, not on one person dominating the other. For anyone out there wondering how to make a relationship work with contrasting personalities, my best advice is to embrace the differences. Don't try to change your partner, or yourself, to fit some societal mold. Instead, learn to appreciate what makes them unique and how those differences can actually strengthen your bond. It's about finding harmony in the contrast. Celebrate their quirks, understand their perspectives, and always find common ground. And most importantly, always, always communicate openly and honestly. Talk about your feelings, your concerns, and yes, even the funny DMs you get about your husband's wellbeing! Life with a 'soul crusher' like me might sound intimidating to some, but for Chad and I, it's an adventure. We navigate it with love, humor, and an unwavering commitment to each other's happiness. So, to all the well-meaning DMs: rest assured, my husband’s wellbeing is perfectly intact. He’s happy, he’s healthy, and he’s still putting up with my 'soul crusher' ways with a smile. It’s just how we roll, and we wouldn't have it any other way! 😉