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It is indeed the hardest thing to do, even and especially if there are good reasons to do so.  Some try ghosting, or manufactured arguments as a way to unwind a relationship but both approaches violate trust–the essence of any good relationship in the first place. In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about ways in which you can exit a relationship that isn’t working while respecting your former partner, allowing you both to gain closure and move on with your lives. For a complete transcript, click here: LL51-Breaking Up

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The birth of your firstborn can be a wonderful blessing but it also changes many dynamics in a relationship.  Navigating the early days of parenthood to say nothing of the challenges to your health, sleep, and romantic life can add an unwelcome burden.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug discuss the real world implications and offer some strategies for a graceful and mature transition.  For a complete transcript, click here: LL50-And Baby Makes Three

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Families can be a wonderful source of support and nurture but sometimes they can be downright toxic to a relationship.  In this episode Alvean and Doug talk about the latter and how couples can address the challenge of family members that create unhealthy drama.  For moer, and a full transcript, click here: LL49 -Toxic Families

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In this episode Alvean and Doug talk about the question of age differences in a relationship.  Alvean is in her 40’s and Doug in his 70’s which gives them both a unique perspective on this question.  Can May/December unions really work?  Tune into this episode to hear what they have to say and get a full transcript here: LL48-Does Age Matter?

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Getting what you want in life and in your relationships shouldn’t be a struggle or a win/lose battle. In fact, getting what you want is all about understanding what your requirements are for fulfillment and happiness and communicating those effectively to your partner.  It is not a negotiation or a battle you seek but a reciprocal accommodation that will further both your own desires and your partner’s. In this episode, Alvean and Doug offer some strategies for achieving this blissful state of being.  For a full transcript, click here: LL47-Getting What You Want

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When there are issues in a relationship or challenges that must be navigated it is often the case that one or the other partner will turn to friends or family to act as counselors.  It is one of the worst things one can do to maintain trust and avoid unending reprecussions.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug offer real life stories and advice about how to handle differences and avoid the trap of making family and friends into therapists or umpires. For a full transcript, click here: LL-46 Friends and Family as Counselors

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The Children’s TV Host, Mr. Rogers would sign off his show with this statement, “I love you just the way you are”. Perhaps that is why so many adults years later have such fond memories of Mr. Rogers. He knew how to love without conditions. To be honest it isn’t easy.  And it is not unusual for partners in a relationship to try, subtly or otherwise to change their significant others into a different version.  Total acceptance, though, forms a powerful bond, one that can survive every pressure and challenge a relationship holds. In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about ways to cultivate that kind of acceptance and how to build an invincible bond with your mate.  For a complete transcript, click here: LL45-I love you Just the Way You Are

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At some point in their lives most people will ask of themselves what their purpose is or should be. Is it about your work, family, your children or some higher calling perhaps? Finding one’s purpose gives meaning to life and the search for purpose grows stronger as we age. In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about the existential search and how one might go about finding your reason for being. For a full transcript of the episode, click here: LL44-Finding Purpose

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When the initial rush of love and chemistry cools down, partners in a relationship can sometimes experience a kind of buyer’s remorse.  They might wonder if the day to day life they are living is all there is to love or marriage. In this episode, Alvean and Doug explore the ways in which our feelings mature and change over time and how we can maintain a healthy openness to new experiences and seeing our partners in new ways. For a full transcript of the episode, click here: LL43-Is That All There Is?

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When conflict arises in a relationship, as it does from time to time, and resolution seems difficult to attain, how do couples avoid the tendency to fight or run from conflict. Neither is an effective strategy for ending the conflict, much less preventing its recurrence.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug offer some highly effective strategies for coping with conflict and for healing the wounds. For a full transcript, click here: LL42-Fight or Flight