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The holidays are supposed to be a time of love and togetherness, but for many couples, they’re anything but. Maybe you’re dreading that family dinner, knowing the cracks in your relationship will feel like they’re under a microscope. Or perhaps you’re bracing for the political debates, old family patterns, or conversations that could leave you and your partner feeling even more disconnected. Sound familiar?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone standing at a relationship crossroads. If you’re facing daily conflicts, feeling an emotional gap growing between you and your partner, or struggling to protect your relationship in the chaos of family gatherings, you’ve come to the right place.

In this episode, we’re answering the question: How can you protect your relationship and create connection during the holidays, even when tensions run high?

Here’s what you’ll take away:

• How holiday stress can amplify tensions in your relationship—and what to do about it.
• Real strategies for navigating triggers, setting boundaries, and staying emotionally grounded.
• Tips for managing family dynamics without dragging your relationship into the fray.
• Ideas for creating new traditions that honor your relationship and where you are now.

We know the holidays can shine a spotlight on the cracks in your relationship. But they can also be an opportunity to show up differently, protect your peace, and strengthen your bond.

Press play now for tools and strategies to walk into this season with clarity, connection, and confidence—no matter what’s waiting at the dinner table.

Timestamps:
02:49 Understanding Contrast in Relationships
10:55 Emotional Vulnerability During Holidays
15:18 Managing Expectations and Planning
24:18 Creating New Traditions
28:43 Handling Emotional Triggers
31:11 A Thanksgiving Disaster
34:16 Managing Holiday Stress
37:40 Effective Communication Strategies
41:47 Handling Difficult Conversations
50:26 Redirecting and Structuring Conversations
53:13 Final Tips and Takeaways
56:45 Holiday Wishes and Announcements

And for those ready to take their journey even further, join our waitlist for Save Your Marriage: A Blueprint for Avoiding Divorce at stacibartley.com/waitlist and be the first to know when we open enrollment! (We will have a special offer for podcast listeners!)