Today, Thamousca chats with Maryse Emmanuel-Garcy, a dedicated social worker, an avid activist, an author, a grant-writer, a mother of three, and Co-Founder of HAFALI, Inc., a non-profit community-based organization in Long Island, NY. She has recently relocated to Florida, where she continues to serve her community in Port Saint Lucie as well as New York.

This episode dives into the myth “A Woman’s Happiness Depends on Marriage.” Maryse and Thamousca explore the cultural, familial, and societal expectations this belief has on women, where it comes from, and how statements like women’s happiness depend on marriage impact those individuals who aren’t married or do not wish to get married. Finally, we explore whether this myth holds any validity or has any merit.

Maryse shares her own personal experiences being married for 16 years and how society still asks about her marital status. She shares candidly her life after being divorced after 30 years and what she constantly faces within her social circles.

In this interview, you’ll learn:

- The cultural expectations set generationally

- Movies that have shaped our perceptions of women, relationships, and happiness

- The ingrained beliefs imposed from childhood

- The age-race and marriage expectancy

- The impact of marital status (or lack thereof) on emotional well-being

- Whether marriage can be a source of happiness

No matter where you are on your relationship journey, it is important to take the time to ask yourself whether you are happy in general. The most important relationship is with YOURSELF. If you have struggled with maintaining healthy relationships, chasing relationships, or setting unrealistic expectations within your relationships, then engaging in mindfulness practices or seeking the guidance of mental health professionals could help you on your journey of self-discovery.

Connect With Us:

• Maryse E-Garcy | Instagram

• Maryse E-Garcy | HAFALI | Facebook

• Thamousca | Healing Moi, LLC | Healing Moi

Real 2 Real is a podcast that breaks down common myths and stereotypes. Join Thamousca, a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, Certified Life Coach, and Founder/Owner of Healing Moi, LLC as she chats with guests from diverse backgrounds and professional fields for thought provoking conversations about relationship dynamics, gender roles, cultural differences, lifestyle choices, and more. R2R is getting Real about the commonly held myths and stereotypes that often divide us - leading to negative biases, unfair judgment, and poor decision making.