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Many of us were raised in a traditional family structure and are used to the idea that the man in the family is the breadwinner. In today’s world that assumption can be a presumption as women take their rightful place in the working world and attain positions that compensate them at levels that may be more–even a good deal more than their partner.  In a perfect world that should not be an issue but it can result in some friction if it is not addressed early and both partners have a healthy sense of self esteem. In this episode Alvean and Doug explore the ways in which couples can navigate this arrangement successfully.  For more and a complete transcript click here: LL08

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Maybe you’ve heard a friend say it, or perhaps said it yourself:  Why can’t I find a good man, a good women?  Are they all taken, or are your requirements simply too picky?  Alvean and Doug unpack the question in this episode and explore the reasons we find some people attractive and others not so much–and how we can sometimes sabotage ourselves by finding faults that may or may not exist even before a relationship has a chance of getting started.  For more and a full transcript click here: LL07

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Breaking up a relationship is never easy and it shouldn’t be, after all at one time you both were in love or thought you were.  Regardless of the reasons for ending it, there is a right and a wrong way to go about it.  In this episode Alvean and Doug offer some insight and suggestions about how to minimize the pain for both of you.  For more and a full transcript, click here: LL06

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Partners in a relationship–especially a new one often ask if what they are feeling is real or just a short term infatuation.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about the ways in which we can identify and test our own feelings and gauge the truth of those to whom we are attracted. For a full transcript of this episode, click here: LL04

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It has been said that life is the play we put on while we learn how to act..  Learning to love and creating loving relationships is the foundation for an expansive heart–a forgiving, and generous spirit.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug discuss the ways in which we can make this a conscious part of our daily life. For a transcript of this episode, click here:LL03

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In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about how we choose people on which to model our own lives. Sometimes it is a parent or caregiver but often it can be another relative or as we age, a colleague/mentor, a close friend, or even a figure from history.  The process is not always a conscious one but become aware of these models is not only instructive, but crucial to understanding ourselves.  For a full transcript click here: LL02

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Perhaps you have had one or at least met the type.  Passive aggressive behavior is easily recognized but the signs are often subtle: sarcasm, extended silence, subtle criticism, avoidance and habitual lateness are all forms of passive aggressive personalities and they can be highly corrosive.  Recognizing and learning how to cope with this personality is the key to maintaining friendships and sometimes relationships.  In this episode Alvean and Doug describe the personality in more detail and talk about coping mechanisms for those who have such individuals in their lives. For a full transcript, click here: 68-The Passive-Aggressive Partner

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A lot has been written, especially of late, about the pros and cons of social media in relationships.  To be honest relationships are delicate and require privacy, nurture, and understanding none of which are especially common in social media.  Finding a path to healthy engagement with friends and family –enjoying the socialization of digital media can be tremendously rewarding or anathema.  Alvean and Doug offer some insights into how best to avoid the negative aspects without abstention.  For a full transcript, click here:64-Relationships and Social Media

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One of life’s great joys and also a scary proposition for many, parenthood has been described as the last of the unskilled occupations.  Most of us do what our parents did–or the exact opposite, neither of which is necessarily a prescription for success. In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about parenting and offer advice on how best to prepare for this awesome responsibility.  For more and full transcript, click here: 65-Parenthood

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It is one of those rites of passage, moving in together.  It isn’t a step to take lightly though.  It can lead to a stronger and more meaningful relationship or it can tear at the fabric that binds you.  Planning this move and learning to accept another person sharing every part of your daily existence is not something to leave to chance.  That’s why Alvean and Doug walk through the process and offer some counsel on what to do and what to avoid doing to ensure your move is the right one.  For a full transcript, click here: 63-Moving In Together