Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 15:47 — 14.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

For some it is acts of service, for others affirmation, gifts of touch, or quality time.  These are the ways we express our affection and affirm our love. But they are not always acknowledged, valued or understood by couples and a mismatch between what is desired and what is received can be fatal to an enduring relationship.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug discuss the languages of love, how we show and how we receive these gifts–and most importantly how we can align ourselves so that we are speaking the same language.  For more on this episode and a complete transcript, click here: 66-The Love Languages

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:32 — 15.1MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

The path to hell they say is paved with good intentions.  Too often we make the mistake of enabling a loved one to continue to harbor destructive –even self destructive habits or patterns of behavior.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about the ways in which our good intentions can result in the worst results for those we love. Enabling robs those we love of self determination, reinforces their bad habits, and shields them from the reality of their lives.  For more on this subject and a full transcript of this episode, click here: 67-Are you an Enabler?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 17:35 — 16.1MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

How many of us have idealized the perfect mate, and found that our dream curdled in reality?  That is the question Alvean and Doug tackle in this episode.   Is it possible to find such a person, and if and when we do will they measure up to reality?  Who is the ideal mate in any event? For more on this and a full transcript, click here: LL62-Your ideal mate

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:33 — 15.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

In a time when friend may mean someone you know on Facebook, what is a good friend and how do you know if you are one? Alvean and Doug talk about friendship and relationships and how the two relate. For a full transcript, click here: LL61-Are you a good friend?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:05 — 14.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

For many couples that moment when one decides that its time to begin living together can be a fraught–even difficult navigation–even if it is something both desire.  Adjusting to someone else’s routines, habits, and life style is not always a seamless and easy proposition.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug discuss the challenges and strategies for navigating them to help couples enjoy a smoother transition from single-hood to couple-hood.  For a full transcript, click here: 63-Moving In Together

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:04 — 14.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

And Baby makes three, so the saying goes.   That precious moment, however, is not without its challenges–especially for couples experiencing parenthood for the first time.  It can elicit latent fears, create tensions where none existed before –interfere with careers, health and fray the edges of relationships, but it can also be the culmination of dreams, and blessing.  Finding your way through the thickets is the subject of this episode–as Alvean and Doug talk about their own experience as Parents and offer some counsel for those awaiting or in the midst of parenthood for the first time. For a complete transcript, click here: 65-Parenthood

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 15:57 — 14.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

One of the more difficult behaviors to address in a relationship is the passive/aggressive partner.  Communication with passive aggressive partners is ultimately a difficult proposition that stands everything on its head and if unchecked can lead to dissolution, a bad breakup or worse due to latent anger and its effect. In this episode, Alvean and Doug help listeners recognize the signs of this behavior and offer advice on how best to counter it in order to get to a healthier place.  For a full transcript of the episode, click here: 68-The Passive-Aggressive Partner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:06 — 14.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Social Media is omnipresent in our lives and while it can help us maintain our involvement with friends and famil, it can also be a toxic wasteland spreading mis information and echoing unhealthy views or outright propaganda.  In this episode Alvean and Doug talk about the ways social media bear on relationships and how to make the best use of the medium without undue influence or harm.  Fir a complete transcript of this episode, click here: 64-Relationships and Social Media

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 14:35 — 33.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

Healthy and authentic relationships have a very special quality, they actually expand our capacity to feel and express love–not only to our beloved but to our circle of friends and family as well.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug discuss this in concrete terms with examples drawn from their experience.  For a complete transcript, click here: LL03

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 14:49 — 33.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

In life and in relationships we may model our behavior on influential people in for better or worse.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about their role models and explore the ways role models act as intermediaries.  For a full transcript, click here: