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The marriage vows remind us that we are bound to one another in both sickness and health but reality can be harsh, especially when your partner in life has a debilitating, life threatening or terminal disease.  Being a supporter, caregiver and companion requires a great deal of an individual and to do so while keeping the love between you growing  can become an afterthought. Speaking from their own personal experience, Alvean and Doug talk about the reality of caring for a sick partner and loved one.  For a full transcript, click here:LL41-In Sickness & in Health

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Couples change over time but growing older does not have to mean growing apart or growing stale in the relationship.  Keeping yourself and your partner youthful in body and spirit is key to enjoying your love at every stage of life.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about how to maintain and when necessary rekindle those attributes that you have learned to love about one another and how to see each other through fresh eyes.  For a full transcript, click here: LL40-Growing Older

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When the first rush and chemistry of young attraction fades, the serious business of learning to love and love deeply, begins.  Relationships need room and work to flourish.  They don’t just grow organically but require tending and renewal. In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about strategies for strengthening your relationship and breathing freshness and depth to it. For a full transcript, click here: LL39-After the Love

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It seems the news on almost every front is dispiriting these days.  Everywhere we turn there is negativity and it can get you down, turning a positive attitude negative in short order.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug discuss the ways one can find the positive energy in a negative environment and how couples can help one another achieve an affirming relationship. For a complete transcript, click here: LL38-Staying Positive in a Negative World

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Getting what you want without coercion, manipulation or worse is all about the art of persuasion.  Couples need to learn how to achieve their individual and mutual relationship goals in a manner that leaves them both satisfied.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug discuss the persuasion rules and tools for negotiation that engender mutual respect and  win/win solutions.  For a full transcript, click here: LL37-The Art of Persuasion

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Listening is one of the most important skills in relationship building.  Really hearing what the other person has to say–rather than simply acknowledging with half attention is not only a courtesy it is a profound sign of engagement and investment.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug talk about the art of tuning in to what others have to say and the downside of tuning out when you are into yourself or just not into what your SO has to say.  For a full transcript, click here: LL36-Listening-Tune in or Tune out

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We love them both but sometimes kids or pets become an issue in a relationship.  Navigating the sensitivities that attach to our children and pets can be extremely trying.  Fortunately, Alvean and Doug have some counsel for ways to skillfully avoid contention and ensure you are all on the same page.  For a full transcript of this episode, click here: LL35-When Kids or Pets are in the way

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Couples that pray together stay together, or so the saying goes.  Is there any truth to this?  In this episode Alvean and Doug explore the question of faith in relationships and whether it is truly a force that binds or a source of friction.  For a full transcript, click here:LL34-Couples That Pray Together

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In this episode, Alvean and Doug explore the reasons that people in relationships quarrel.  It may not be too serious, or it can be a sign of underlying issues that need to be resolved, and soon.  To find out which and ways to resolve differences in a healthy and loving manner you can listen and read the attached transcript: LL29-Why Do Couples Quarrel?

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Couples argue about many things, but money is a very common issue.  In this episode Alvean and Doug take on the question of why this is a contentious issue, and how to avoid making it into one that can wreck and otherwise healthy relationship.  For a full transcript, click here: LL32-Why Do couples Quarrel About Money?