The South Shore’s Morning News on 95.9 WATD-FM

Ever Found Yourself Nodding Yes While Screaming No on the Inside? Love Bites with Lifestyle Coach Francesca Luca

Love Bites is a weekly segment with Lifestyle Coach Francesca Luca on The South Shore's Morning News. You can listen every Wednesday morning at 9:10. 
We’ve all been there—agreeing to plans we don’t want, taking on extra work we don’t have time for, or saying yes just to avoid awkwardness. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation wondering how you got roped into something (again), this post is for you.
So… have you morphed into an ever-expanding sponge?Has saying “yes” become a permanent tattoo?
If you're constantly overcommitted, overwhelmed, and wondering how you keep ending up in situations you never agreed to (except you technically did)… this one's for you.
We’ve all nodded through requests, signed up for things we didn’t want to, or agreed to something while our inner voice was screaming, “OMG, I can’t believe I agreed to that” But here’s the deal: You’re allowed to say no. You need to say no. And yes it’s going to feel awkward—until it doesn’t.
So let’s hit reset and dive in.
Why DO We Say Yes When We Want to Say No?
There are a few all-too-familiar reasons:
1. We don’t want to disappoint people
We fear hurting someone’s feelings, or worse—damaging a friendship. (Newsflash: True relationships can handle a polite “no.”)
2. Fear of confrontation or rejection
Saying no feels like lighting a fuse. But avoiding conflict often leads to resentment—and that’s a much bigger explosion later.
3. Guilt & Obligation — the BIGGIE
You feel bad for turning someone down. So you say yes… then feel worse afterward. That guilt loop is sneaky and exhausting.
4. People-pleasing tendencies
If your self-worth is tied to how “helpful” or “available” you are, you’re probably carrying a backpack full of burnout. Time to unpack.
5. Low self-worth
You might say yes because deep down, you don’t believe you have the right to say no. (You do. Every single time.)
6. Lack of boundary-setting skills
If no one ever taught you how to assert yourself without a panic attack, you're not alone. But the good news? It's a skill—and you can learn it.
Why You SHOULD Say No
Because you deserve respect. Period.
If you don’t respect your own time, energy, and limits, why would anyone else?There is no perfect time to start. There’s no perfect script. JUST DO IT.
And stop obsessing over how to say it “just right.” You're not writing a breakup letter.
Oh, and by the way: The people who get mad when you say no?Yeah, those are often the ones who benefited most from your lack of boundaries—not the ones who deserve your energy. But that’s a Love Bite for another morning…
The “Say No” Toolkit You Didn’t Know You Needed
Stick these phrases on your mirror, laptop, or forehead—wherever they’ll remind you that you’re allowed to take up space and say no without guilt.
Better Phrases Than a Panicked “Maybe”:
"That won’t work for me."
"I can’t give it the attention it deserves."
"It’s not a priority for me right now."
"I have other priorities I have to put first."
Setting Boundaries, Your Way:
"Are you open to other ideas?"
"My experience tells me that won’t work—have you considered…"
"I agree with the goal, but I’d like to tweak a few things."
Whatever You Do, Avoid These Wishy-Washy Responses:
“Let me think about it…” (Translation: I’ll stew over this for 3 days and still feel guilty.)
“Maybe…” (A non-committal yes in disguise.)
“Let’s talk about it later…” (No, let’s not. Say no now.)
Final Word: You're Not a Bad Person for Saying No
You’re not selfish. You’re not rude.You’re just someone who finally decided to stop being available to everything and everyone except yourself.
Saying no isn’t rejection—it’s self-respect. So go ahead. Practice it. Say it in the mirror. Say it in a text. Whisper it. Shout it. Sing it if you have to.
Just start saying it.
Listen to the segment: 
Follow and Contact Francesca:
FacebookLinkedInEmailInstagram

Can Alexa Hear Me? Tech Talk with David Snell of ACT Smart I.T. in Wareham

It is Tuesday so that means it is time for Tech Talk with David Snell of ACT Smart I.T. in Wareham.
For this week's segment, David wanted to discuss the ever-present question on most people's minds when it comes to interactive electronics: Am I being listened to without even knowing!?
Amazon's Alexa device is one of the most popular at-home digital assistants so David gave a rundown on how to minimize unknowing voice recordings, and also how to auto-delete your data in your account.
You can read David's full blog post by clicking here and listen to the interview here.

We Fix Pain - Part 2 - More Comfort Monday with Diane Jordan of Natural Body Works in Kingston

It is so important to take care of your body - especially when you're feeling any kind of pain. This is where Natural Body Works in Kingston comes in, they are ready to help you alleviate any sort of ache, injury, pain, and beyond!
On Diane Jordan's weekly segment on the South Shore's Morning News, More Comfort Monday, she talks about the various services you can find at Natural Body Works. 
One of their amazing services, is their massage therapy. Diane goes into Part 2 of her series on pain management and how massage can take you from hurting to healing.
Listen in she discusses the amazing sciatic recovery of one of her clients.
Diane would like all our listeners to know not to suffer in pain, call her and talk to her about how to get your pain fixed, at Natural Body Works. The number is 781-585-5130. And please remember to tune in next week for another More Comfort Mondays 

YOU FEEL IT IN YOUR GUT, BUT HOW DO YOU REALLY KNOW IF YOUR PARTNER IS CHEATING?

Most of the time… the signs are there.
Warning signs stretch out miles behind you—long before the moment of truth arrives.
But before we dive into the clues and gut instincts, let’s ask a foundational question:
What is cheating, exactly?
I got a Facebook question recently:“Is having a friend of the opposite sex—someone you share a deep emotional connection with—considered cheating?”
The short answer? Sometimes, yes.
There’s a clear difference between a genuine friendship and what’s called emotional cheating (aka, an emotional affair).Here’s how to tell:
Are you fully disclosing this connection to your partner?
Have you had a romantic or intimate history with this person? (Big one!)
Is there mutual attraction—spoken or unspoken?
Is this a real friendship… or a “back burner” relationship? You know, someone you're keeping warm just in case?
Let’s be honest:You know.And even deeper down... you know you know.
“She’s cool, she thinks I’m cool, how fun is that… we go out, get a little tipsy, kiss... but that won’t happen again.”
Yeah. Right.
Even if nothing physical has happened (yet), emotional affairs almost always pave the way. And even if they don’t—if your emotional investment is shifting away from your partner—something is already off.
FYI: You can’t serve two masters.
No matter how you slice it, if you're emotionally pouring yourself into someone else, there’s a leak in your primary relationship. And leaks don’t fix themselves.
So… How DO You Know If Your Partner Is Cheating?
Here are some classic signs:
Increased secrecy (changing passwords, guarded phone use)
Unexplained absences or sketchy details about where they’ve been
A decline in physical intimacy or a sudden spike that feels performative
Emotional distance—they’re there, but not there
Sudden changes in routine—workouts, late nights, new hobbies they don’t share with you
But here’s where it gets deeper:
Why Do People Cheat?
Let’s talk about the why for a minute.
I know—algorithms aren’t romantic.But let’s be real: cheating isn’t exactly sexy either. So here’s your human algorithm:
We all have basic needs:
Good food
Good sex
Enough sleep
Emotional intimacy
But sometimes those needs conflict.To experience true intimacy, you have to give up some of your self-gratifying behaviors. That means boundaries, commitment, and choosing connection over impulse.
And here’s the core truth:
If someone values self-gratification more than intimacy, they won't sacrifice.
If they value intimacy more than gratification, they will.
It’s really that simple.Picture a scale. On one side: self-gratification. On the other: intimacy.Where that scale tips? That’s what someone is prioritizing.
Final Thought: Cheating Isn’t Always About Sex. It’s About Disconnection.
When someone cheats, what they’re really doing is looking for something they feel they’ve lost—within themselves, or within the relationship. But instead of confronting that loss, they escape it.
And here’s the truth:Cheating doesn’t start in the bedroom.It starts in the distance.In the conversations that didn’t happen.In the resentment that went unspoken.In the glance that stopped lingering.In the quiet forgetting of each other.
If you’re reading this and feeling that gut twist—not because of what someone else is doing, but because of what you might be avoiding—it’s not too late.
Ask the hard questions.Have the uncomfortable conversation.Reconnect. Or, if needed, walk away with clarity and courage.
Whatever you do—don’t pretend not to know what you already know.
Because trust doesn’t just break.It bends, and bends, until the moment it finally snaps. Make sure you’re not holding the scissors.
 
Love Bites is a weekly segment with Lifestyle Coach Francesca Luca - it airs on The South Shore's Morning News every Wednesday morning at 9:10. Sponsored by Meineke 
You can text in your question on the 95.9 WATD Text Line at 781-837-4900, feel free to request anonymity 
FacebookLinkedInEmailInstagram

The South Shore's Morning News Week in Review -- Friday, June 13th, 2025

Welcome to another edition of the week in review! So exciting as we first talk with actor Steve Schirripa, about his roles on the Sopranos and Blue Bloods. He is coming to Campanelli Stadium in Brockton on June 21st for Soprano's Night at the Rox. Then we check in with our tech guy, David Snell, from ACT Smart I.T. in Wareham as we talk about Apple's new liquid glass design. Finally, it's our South Shore Chamber of Commerce segment with Tim Cahill. This week we focus on the Hull Chamber of Commerce and their exciting website upgrades. 

Sopranos Star Steve Schirripa Talks Brockton Rox Appearance and Series Finale Mystery of Tony Soprano

It was an exciting day for the morning show team because Rob and Beth spoke with fan favorite Sopranos star Steve Schirripa, who played Bobby Bacala on the legendary HBO show. 
Steve is going to hang out at next week's Brockton Rox game on June 21st for Sopranos Night. You can buy tickets to meet Steve by buying tickets through this link. He will be attending a picnic before the game and then is going to throw out the first pitch!
Rob and Beth discussed other pressing topics with Steve such as his opinion on if Tony Soprano was actually wacked in the series finale, if he'd be open to being a part of the White Lotus TV show like his podcast host and Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli , and being an alum of Brooklyn College alongside morning show co-host Beth Foster. 
Listen to the interview

New Apple Updates: Tech Talk with David Snell of ACT Smart I.T. in Wareham

It is time for our weekly 'software upgrade' with David Snell of ACT Smart I.T. in Wareham. 
Since Apple had their Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) yesterday, the tech world is abuzz with all the latest announcements. 
David Snell wanted to talk about his favorite parts from the WWDC, including the most talked about feature, the Liquid Glass Design.
Listen in as we discuss all the cool Apple updates coming our way, especially if you have an iPhone. You can also read David's full blog post by clicking here. 

Pain, Be Gone! More Comfort Mondays with Diane Jordan of Natural Body Works

It is always a great idea to start the week off with a special radio realignment during our weekly segment: More Comfort Mondays with Diane Jordan of Natural Body Works in Kingston. 
For this week, Diane discussed how clients can feel dramatically better just from a couple sessions of targeted massages and aftercare routines. For one individual suffering from lower back pain and sciatica, Diane went through the entire process and he felt less pain after a couple of days! 
Listen and learn to this important process of taking away pain from your daily life.
To talk with Diane about how to get your pain fixed, call or text her Natural Body Works. The number is 781-585-5130. And please remember to tune in next week for another More Comfort Mondays

The South Shore's Morning News Week in Review -- Friday, June 6th, 2025

Welcome to another week in review. First we talk with author and comedian Scott Kerman about his new book on Former Governor Michael Dukakis called: "The Duke: Weekly Conversations with the Last Honest Politician. A Political Giant and a Comedian Walk into a Kitchen". Then we check in with our favorite bank guy, Bob Terravecchia from Coastal Heritage Bank with financial questions people search for online. Finally, it's our tech guy, David Snell, from ACT Smart I.T. in Wareham, asking the question, can A.I. defend itself? 

Why Do They Always Think I’ll Leave? Signs of Abandonment Issues - Love Bites with Francesca Luca

Listener wants to know: Is it clingingness or something deeper? I’ve been dating someone for a few months now, and on the surface, everything’s going well. But I’ve started noticing some red flags—clinginess, a constant need for reassurance, and a lingering fear that I won’t call back or might just disappear altogether. It’s made me wonder, could this be more than just insecurity?
 
The Constant Craving for Connection
Being with someone who has abandonment issues can feel like dealing with a child who never gets enough sugar. Only, instead of sweets, it's emotional attention they’re after—endless, exhausting, and impossible to fully satisfy.
Here’s the tough reality: you can't fill that void for them.
So, What Are Abandonment Issues?
At their core, abandonment issues stem from a deep fear of being left. This fear often has roots in childhood experiences—loss, neglect, or emotional unavailability from caregivers.
Ironically, people who fear abandonment the most are often the ones who leave first. Whether consciously or not, they may end relationships prematurely or constantly threaten to walk away. Why? Because being the one to leave feels safer than being left behind.
How It Shows Up in Relationships
Hypervigilance: They’re extremely sensitive to any shift in tone, timing, or behavior. A delayed text can feel like rejection.
Emotional Overreactions: Small disagreements may spiral into big emotional outbursts.
Control via People-Pleasing: At first, they may seem like the ideal partner—attentive, generous, and always agreeable. But this can be a way to “secure” the relationship, making it harder for you to walk away later.
Chronic dissatisfaction: Over time, they may begin to believe you're not meeting their needs, no matter how much you give.
When It Becomes a Problem
The dynamic can become especially strained when life demands more of your time and energy:
Your job ramps up, and they feel neglected.
You prioritize time with friends or family, and they feel left out.
An aging parent requires your attention, and they’re no longer at the center.
If you have a child together, the shift in focus can trigger intense feelings of abandonment.
In each case, the underlying fear isn’t really about you—it’s about losing emotional security.
What Can You Do?
If you recognize these signs in your partner (or even in yourself), awareness is the first step. Here’s what’s important:
Don’t overcompensate. Being extra attentive might seem like the solution, but it only reinforces the pattern.
Set healthy boundaries. Your emotional availability is important, but so is your autonomy.
Encourage healing. Therapy can be incredibly helpful in addressing the root of abandonment fears.
Loving someone with abandonment issues can be challenging—but it’s not impossible. The key is recognizing what’s yours to hold, and what they need to confront on their own. You can support and validate them, but you can’t fix or fill the fear. Ultimately, healing has to come from within.