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It is probable that at some point in your relationship one of you will become seriously ill.  We don’t like to think about the prospect but especially in present times it is a reality we may have to face.  Navigating the future can be daunting when the one you love is challenged by sickness and you are suddenly in the role of caregiver–no longer lover, but companion, cheerleader or nurse.  Hopefully it will all end well, but the journey is often bumpy, full of turns and twists you cannot foresee or control.  Alvean and Doug talk about their own personal experiences with these challenges and offer their thoughts on how such moments can be opportunities to deepen your relationship and see your partner in new and powerful ways.  A complete transcript can be found here: LL41-In Sickness & in Health

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Growing older brings changes–whether it is the difference between your 20’s and 30’s or decades beyond.  How do you keep your relationship on solid ground through all of the changes you experience together?  Is it true that things get easier or the opposite?  When the chemistry is not what it was, life’s daily challenges increasingly get in the way, and so many things compete for your attention how can you ensure that you and your partner in life face things together and not apart?  Alvean and Doug discuss the strategies for maintaining a strong and vibrant relationship in the face of adversity and some of the joys of growing older together.  For a full transcript of the episode, click here: LL40-Growing Older

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What do you do when the love you once felt seems over?  Is it enough to just live together without love, or is there a way to rekindle the feelings you once had for one another?  Alvean and Doug talk about the emotional, psychological and even the spiritual roots of love, why it can grow or diminish over time, and what you can do to keep it fresh and alive.  For a full transcript of this episode, click here: LL39-After the Love

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We are in the midst of a tremendously challenging time–health, security and our very lives may be threatened by events over which we may have little or no control.  Finding a center of strength and serenity in the midst of chaos–finding the positive is a critical skill.  Alvean and Doug talk about how you can learn to find that core ability and use it to help yourself and those you love.  For a full transcript, click here: LL38-Staying Positive in a Negative World

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Fight or flight may be a strategy among animals but it is a poor way to try to solve interpersonal difficulties.  Alvean and Doug discuss the art of persuasion-the process that help you and your partner find the middle ground where win or lose becomes win and win.  To see a complete transcript of this episode click here:LL37-The Art of Persuasion

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Sometimes we are on broadcast when we should be on receive.  Learning to listen goes a long way in building strong and loving relationships but it does not come naturally.  We all need to learn to listen.  Alvean and Doug talk about how we can learn to be a good listener–and especially for men, how to stop being a problem solver and start becoming a source of emotional support. To read a full transcript, click here:LL36-Listening-Tune in or Tune out

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No matter how much we may love our children or our pets–there are times when they can become the focus of a relationship in a way that causes couples to divide rather than come together.  Alvean and Doug discuss the challenge of being good parents and good lovers–and offer some strategies for keeping boundaries in your life.  A complete transcript of the episode can be found here: LL35-When Kids or Pets are in the way

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Is it true?  Does faith play a part in keeping relationships strong or is that just folklore?  Alvean and Doug explore this question with some real life examples and personal experience.  For a complete transcript of the episode, click here:LL34-Couples That Pray Together

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After the first rush–the chemistry of love, feelings can dim–or be caught up in the business of living.  Sometimes stress or outside conditions –children, relatives, work–can get in the way.  How do you recapture the passion?  Alvean and Doug offer some insights into what drives our emotions and how to restore a sense of energy and excitement to your relationship.  For a full transcript of this episode, click here:LL33-How to Bring Passion Back?

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Among several issues that couples argue about–money figures prominently.  Sometimes one partner is a spender and the other a saver–while the source of money–who earned it and who spends it– can become a divisive issue.  In this episode Alvean and Doug talk about the challenge of keeping such issues from crowding out the emotional health of your relationship and offer some counsel on how to resolve your differences.  For a full transcript of the episode, click here:LL32-Why Do couples Quarrel About Money?