What is real?



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


Loving Relations Expand our Hearts



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


Who are our models?



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


The Passive Aggressive Partner



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


Relationships and Social Media



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


Parenthood



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


Moving In Together



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


Love Languages



Perhaps you have heard of the love languages–the various ways we demonstrate our feelings for one another.  Understanding your own love language and those of your partner can help you both to build a better framework for communication and for expressing your feelings.  Alvean and Doug describe the love languages and discuss the ways in which a fulsome recognition has helped couples grow closer bonds.  A complete transcript can be found here: 66-The Love Languages


Are you an enabler?



Often we seek out or find a mate who supports and empowers us–helping us to become the best possible version of ourselves we are able to be.  But it is not uncommon for couples to enable one another and that can lead to a toxic and destructive form of dependency. In this episode Alvean and Doug discuss enablers and how, consciously or otherwise they can lead their significant other down a bad path.  For a full transcript, click here: 67-Are you an Enabler?


Your Ideal Mate



If you are unattached or in what you recognize is a short term relationship you’ve probably given some thought to what or who you are looking for in an ideal mate.  How we choose speaks volumes about us, our upbringing, family and social values.  While finding the right person for you is never simple it helps if you start by understanding what you are looking for.  In this episode, Alvean and Doug reflect on that process, how we identify and choose , and more importantly how we can be more certain we are making good choices.  For a full transcript, click here:LL62-Your ideal mate