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Relationships can be hard at times and one of the hardest is when one of you falls ill.  Even when the illness is not too serious being a caregiver can be trying and when we don’t feel well it is hard to bring your best self to the relationship.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about their own real experiences dealing with the serious illness of a partner and child and how one can cope with these challenges.  For a complete transcript, click here: LL41-In Sickness & in Health

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Our brains are hard wired with a fight or flight instinct.  When faced with an adverse situation our reflexes automatically engage and that can cause a great deal of tension in a relationship leading to argument or abandonment. Alvean and Doug talk about this and how one can recognize the reaction and short circuit the emotions so that calm and rational behavior can be maintained.  For a full transcript, click here: LL42-Fight or Flight

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Relationships are not a constant.  Things change over time and one of those changes comes with age.  But relationships do not have to grow old or stale with age, in fact they can become even better, with richer and deeper engagement. Alvean and Doug offer some insights on how to nurture the spark and claim the feelings that come with a mature relationship. For more and a full transcript, click here:

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We all know what those first days of a new relationship feel like, the rush of hormones and emotions, the excitement and sometimes overwhelming feelings of love.  But what happens when the love isn’t there anymore or at least the intense feelings once felt have lessened?  In this episode, Alvean and Doug discuss the natural progression we experience and temper those with suggestions how we can not only maintain but foster a deeper and more meaningful connection to our loved one. For more, and a complete transcript, click here: LL39-After the Love

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In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about a challenge that more and more people are experiencing, how to remain positive when the news and events in the world around you seem very negative. Psychologists and Social Workers report increasing anxiety in the present day, as latent fears and worries, economic and otherwise, are causing strains that can drastically affect people’s state of mind and their relationships.  Learn how to avoid the traps and foster a healthy and realistic approach when those around you are interntionally or otherwise causing you anxiety.  For a full transcript, click here: LL38-Staying Positive in a Negative World

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Struggles for power, manipulation and arguments are signs a couple has not learned the art of persuasion.  In this episode Alvean and Doug offer insight as to how to share information and feelings in a way that can help assure harmony and understanding for all concerned.  For a complete transcript, click here: LL37-The Art of Persuasion

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At least half or more of the challenges couples create for themselves arise from a failure to listen.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about ways to ensure you are on receive and not just broadcast when you and your other half converse.  For a full transcript, click here: LL36-Listening-Tune in or Tune out

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Children and pets can bring a wonderful bond that completes a relationship or they can become a source of disunion, it all depends on how a couple addresses it beforehand.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about how to ensure both parties are on the same page about key issues assuring a happy and fulfilling life together.  For a complete transcript, click here: LL35-When Kids or Pets are in the way

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You’ve probably heard it said that couples that pray together stay together.  Is there any truth to this?  Religion can play a role in helping couples navigate their relationship or it can lead to fractious quarrels and disunion.  Alvean and Doug discuss the pitfalls and the promises that a faith based relationship can offer in this episode.  For a full transcript, click here: LL34-Couples That Pray Together

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It happens, especially if a couple have been together for a long time.  The passion seems to be less and less common as everyday life with all its stresses and challenges get in the way.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about ways in which couples can renew the patterns and behaviors that ignited their passion in the first place.  For a complete written transcript, click here: LL33-How to Bring Passion Back?