Breaking Up-repeat



In this repeat episode while Alvean and Doug are recording new episodes, we reflect on the ways in which couples can navigate one of the most devastating things they may ever do–ending a relationship.  While it can be an opportunity for personal growth–how you handle it will make all the difference.  For a full transcript of this episode, click here: LL51-Breaking Up


The passive aggressive partner



One of the hardest challenges for any relationship is when one or the other partner exhibits passive aggressive behavior.  Doug and Alvean talk about how to recognize this behavior and what to do to avoid being manipulated.  They offer some strategies for coping and achieving resolution of the underlying issues as well. For a transcript of the full episode, click here: 68-The Passive-Aggressive Partner


Are you an enabler?



Doug and Alvean talk about the ways in which we may be enabling hurtful or even harmful behavior with those we are in relationship. They offer some ways to help listeners understand whether they are enabling and strategies to avoid conflict while avoiding the trap of perpetuating behaviors that fail to bring out the best in our partners. For a full transcript of this episode, click here:67-Are you an Enabler?


Relationships & Social Media



In response to a listener question, Alvean and Doug talk about how to navigate a relationship in the age of pervasive social media. Though they are nearly 35 years apart in age, both Alvean and Doug have cautionary words to say about the pitfalls and hurdles couples face when they live their lives in the fishbowl. For a full transcript of this episode, click here: 64-Relationships and Social Media


Moving In Together



Based on a recent personal experience, Doug and Alvean talk about the hurdles couples face when they make the decision to move in together.  Living full time with another person can place a relationship under the spotlight and add stress in surprising ways. Alvean and Doug discuss some strategies to avoid undue stress and make a yours and mine scenario more of an our experience.  For a transcript of the full episode, click here:63-Moving In Together


Staying Positive



Every day we are subjected to negativity; in the news in the lives of those around us, perhaps in our own lives.  How to you remain calm and serene in the face of that bombardment?  Is there a secret to remaining positive? Alvean & Doug talk about their approach to a saner life, free from the negative spiral.  For a complete transcript, click here: LL38-Staying Positive in a Negative World


The Love Languages



Alvean and Doug describe the five love languages and talk about how to lean what your languages are as well as those of your partner.  Learning to use the right language(s) can make all the difference in how you feel loved and how you make your partner feel.  For a complete transcript of this episode, click here:66-The Love Languages


Why we flirt



The birds do it, the bees do it, even men and women do it–or so goes the song.  Why do we flirt, and is it always with the intention of entering into a relationship?  Alvean and Doug talk about the fundamental urge in us that can lead to misread signals or to a lasting relationship.  For a transcript of this episode click here:LL31-Why Men and Women Flirt


Getting What You Want



We all want what we want.  But getting it can be hard–sometimes even destroying the very thing we hope for.  Alvean and Doug talk about how to get what you want while meeting the needs of those you care for.  It isn’t as hard as you think.  For  full transcript of this episode click here:LL47-Getting What You Want