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We probably should have been more direct.  There is no good way to say goodbye–but there are ways to bring a relationship to a close without causing each other deep and lasting pain. In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about how to do just that–to honestly and transparently acknowledge that for whatever reasons the relationship has run its course and the possibility of resurrecting mutuality is nil.  You may remain friends after a time, or not as you both navigate the future but you can and should part ways the same way you began with genuine affection and respect for one another.  For a complete transcript of this episode, click here:LL06

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You’ve probably heard people describe someone as a soul mate, or say that their relationship was meant to be.  Are their cosmic relationships, those blessed by God, and karmically arranged, or are these simply justifications?  Alvean and Doug take on this somewhat controversial subject in this episode, a transcript of which may be found here: LL05

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Quite often men and women will question whether their relationships are authentic, or a manifestation of chemistry, the short tem allure of the chase, or some other temporary circumstance.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug offer some thoughts on how to recognize a genuine bond, built of real love and respect for one’s partner.  For more and a full transcript, click here: LL04

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Building on the previous episode, Alvean and Doug talk about how our role models and family help us to expand our capacity for loving. For a full transcript of the episode, click here: LL03

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As we go though life we may find various people who will become our role models in life, in our careers and in our relationships.  They may be parents or other relatives, friends or simply people we meet along the way.  In this episode Alvean and Doug discuss their own role models and offer thoughts on how the identify those who might serve as role models.  For a full transcript of the episode, click here: LL02

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In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about passive/aggressive behavior and offer insights on how best to address this toxic form of relationship.  For a full transcript and more, click here: 68-The Passive-Aggressive Partner

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It is a pervasive influence on our lives and some would say not a healthy one.  How does participation in social media affect our lives and our relationships for better or for worse?  Alvean and Doug discuss the subject and offer some thoughts on how to navigate this fraught space in a healthy and productive manner.  For more and a complete transcript, click here: 64-Relationships and Social Media

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Some have said that Parenthood is the last of the unskilled occupations. How do we prepare ourselves, how do we take on the necessary wisdom to raise our children to become successful and happy adults?  To answer these and other questions, Alvean and Doug offer real world examples from their own and others’ lives in this episode.  For a full transcript, click here: 65-Parenthood

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It is a momentous step and one that can make or break a relationship. Accommodating another person’s habits, posessions, and space put our affections to the test and what may be acceptable when we live apart is strained when we live together.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about the stresses and pitfalls of moving in together but also the many rewards and sweetness that can accompany this step if couples are prepared.  For more on this topic and a full transcript, click here: 63-Moving In Together

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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