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Most of us have a protective instinct that we use to shield ourselves from being hurt.  But too often those protective measures get in the way of genuine intimacy and deep abiding relationship.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about the power that can be harnessed by permitting oneself to be vulnerable, to lay bare the true self.  As scary as they may feel it is often the best or only way to achieve what one desires.  For a full transcript, click here:LL18-Vulnerability

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It is an age old question, why am I here–what is my reason for being?  Humans have long sought the answers to life’s most challenging question: what really matters?  Alvean and Doug tackle this thorny question with observations about the sources of happiness and contentment that mean and women have searched for their entire lives.  You can find a full transcript of this episode here: LL17

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In this episode, Alvean and Doug continue on the theme of the past few weeks in their revelations about the wisdom that is often gained amidst very painful experiences.  It has been said that life is a poor teacher because it administers tests and only then, the lesson.  How we ensure that the lesson is learned, not repeated has a great deal to do with how willing we are to look for the answers when we are least comfortable doing so.  For a complete transcript of this episode, click here:LL16

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Is it possible to lie to yourself?  The answer, surprisingly, is yes.  We do it all the time, hide what we know to be the truth because the truth is too painful, we are afraid of the consequences, or have repressed the feelings that led to our self deceit.  Regardless of the reasons, these lies hurt us and can, if left un-challenged result in emotional scars and long term psychological challenges. Alvean and Doug discuss some of the patterns that reveal our behavior and how we can go about probing our own minds to reveal the truth.  For a full transcript of this episode, click here: LL15

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Ending any relationship is painful, regardless of whether it was your decision or your partner’s. Time is often the only way to heal but there are ways to move forward and restore the self-love that is necessary to any successful relationship in the future.  Alvean and Doug talk from experience about how one begins that process.  For a complete transcript, click here:LL14

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Following last week’s episode on surviving infidelity, listeners asked if it is possible to prevent cheating?  Alvean and Doug take on the question and offer some thoughts about the conditions that lead to cheating and the very real differences between serial behavior and a one time mistake. They also discuss the not so hidden clues that you should be aware of when cheating could be on the horizon. For a full transcript, click here: LL13

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Perhaps the most difficult challenge, infidelity erodes trust the fundamental cornerstone of all healthy relationships. Moving past the act itself and learning to understand why it occurred and whether it is likely to happen again is critical to any hope of mending what has been broken between you.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug discuss the underlying obstacles and how you can navigate the stormy waters of infidelity.  For a complete transcript, click here: LL12

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Alvean and Doug talk about the best advice they ever received and share stories from listeners as well.  Click here for a complete transcript:LL11

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Let’s face it, relationships aren’t always easy–they require real effort, patience and understanding on the part of both parties. When differences in race, religion, politics or culture come into play they can be fraught with even greater challenges.  Alvean and Doug discuss those challenges and ways in which couples can help ensure they make their relationship a safe harbor.  For more, and a full transcript, click here: LL10

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Second or third marriages bring both the opportunity to find happiness in the wake of a divorce or widowhood but they can also pose some challenges especially when children are involved.  Blending your two families requires patience, acceptance and sensitivity to how children process emotional attachment and sibling relationships.  Alvean and Doug talk about when and how to navigate this rite of passage.  For a full transcript of this episode, click here: LL09