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It is gut wrenching, and whether you are the one who brings it about or the one who gets left behind there is no easy way to navigate this emotionally difficult moment.  Alvean and Doug offer some life lessons on the experience, and how to process your feelings in a constructive way.  For the those who are on the receiving end, it is crucial to understand the grieving process and for those who have decided to leave a relationship for whatever reason, there are ways in which you can do so leaving your former partner with dignity and emotional respect.  It is hard enough, but the two of you can become ex partners and still remain caring people.  To learn how, listen to the episode and download the transcript here: LL51-Breaking Up

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You were a couple and now you are about to be or already are three, and everything has changed.  As welcome as the birth for a child can be for couples, it is still an emotionally and physically challenging even that will change your lives forever. Whether that change is welcome or not depends to a great extent on your own emotional orientation, empathy and understanding of the potential changes you or your partner may experience.  Alvean and Doug discuss these along with some advice on how to navigate the changes successfully. For a full transcript, click here: LL50-And Baby Makes Three

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Our families should offer us both emotional support and open arms but that is not always the case.  Some families are dysfunctional while others are simply toxic.  Alvean and Doug discuss the red flags that can reveal toxic family members and offer some strategies to address their behavior while insulating you and your partner from damage to your relationship.  For a full transcript, click here:LL49 -Toxic Families

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Differences between partners can make for an exciting and textured relationship, or it can be a prescription for disaster.  Race, religion, social standing, wealth, and of course age are some of the differentiators that couples may wrestle with in navigating the dating and relationship landscape.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about age and the ways it can become an impediment or a non issue in a relationship.  For a complete transcript , click here: LL48-Does Age Matter?

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Getting what we want, out of life and especially in our relationships can sometimes lead to a win/lose outcome.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about mutuality; strategies for aligning your desires with those of your loved one.  The key is to understand your motivations and to work from self-less rather than selfish desires.  It may seem counter-intuitive but having your cake and eating it too works best when you invite your partner to dine with you.  For a full transcript of this episode, click here: LL47-Getting What You Want