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We all want to feel appreciated, seen, and connected in our relationships, but often, we feel the opposite. We feel unappreciated and taken for granted. That’s because we were never taught how to express appreciation meaningfully. But appreciation in a relationship is essential, so learning how to express it in a way that makes your partner feel seen is important.
In this heartfelt episode of Caitlin’s Couch, Caitlin shares a deeply personal story that sparked an essential lesson on the power of appreciation in relationships. After a long and difficult chapter supporting her husband through a decade-long PhD journey, a simple yet emotional moment of genuine gratitude from him reminded her just how impactful heartfelt appreciation can be. Caitlin breaks down why appreciation isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s foundational to intimacy and connection. She introduces a practical, 3-step process for expressing appreciation in a way that truly makes your partner feel seen, valued, and emotionally connected. Whether you're in a long-term partnership or just beginning one, this episode will leave you reflecting on how you give and receive love and how to do both more meaningfully.
Key Takeaways:
* Appreciation is foundational, not optional in a thriving relationship.
* Emotional expression and specificity are what make appreciation land.
* Many people struggle with expressing and receiving appreciation, but it’s a skill that can be learned.
* Feeling truly seen can be healing, even if we didn’t know how much we needed it.
If you enjoyed this podcast, check out these related posts:
* Listen to and read more content on Caitlin’s Substack:
Caitlin's Couch is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Connect with Caitlin:
* Website: caitlincantor.com
* Substack: Caitlin’s Couch
* Instagram: Caitlin's Couch
* Tik Tok: Caitlin’s Couch
If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit from these insights!
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Disclaimer
In this episode of The Caitlin’s Couch Podcast, we are back! Caitlin dives into the challenges couples face in maintaining intimacy in long-term relationships and marriages. She discusses why sexual desire changes over time, why connection is crucial between sexual experiences, and how intentional effort can help rekindle passion. Caitlin shares five practical, research-backed strategies to keep emotional and physical connection strong, helping partners feel more available for intimacy. If you or your partner struggles with feeling "in the mood," this episode provides actionable insights to bridge that gap and create a cycle of connection rather than distance.
Key Takeaways:
* The Reality of Long-Term Relationships & Intimacy – Sex in a committed relationship evolves from the early days of passion and novelty to something that requires intention and effort.
* Maintaining Connection Between Sexual Experiences – Connection isn’t just about sex itself; what happens in between is just as important.
* Bridging the Gap in Different Connection Styles – Some people need emotional closeness before being available for sex, while others need sex to feel emotionally close. Understanding and balancing these differences can lead to a stronger relationship.
Resources Mentioned:
* Read Caitlin’s latest Psychology Today article on maintaining connection: Simple Non-Sexual Daily Practices for Maintaining Intimacy
* Listen to the latest blog post from Modern Sex, Caitlin’s blog on Psychology Today:
* Listen to and read more content on Caitlin’s Substack:
Connect with Caitlin:
* Website: caitlincantor.com
* Substack: Caitlin’s Couch
* Instagram: Caitlin's Couch
* Tik Tok: Caitlin’s Couch
If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit from these insights!
Caitlin's Couch is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Welcome to Caitlin’s Couch! In this episode, Caitlin is interviewing Jen Banks!
Jen is a Teacher, quote collector and an all around amazing person who loves to share her wisdom. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah and is supporting wildlife by raising two (soon to be three) boys. Her favorite indoor activity is baking and her favorite outdoor activity is frisbee golf. She graduated from Utah State University in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. Jen collects inspirational quotes, plays the violin, and is fiercely in love with her husband of seven years, Jared.
Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aisforadversity/
Check out A is For Adversity: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-is-for-adversity/id1547037764
The Caitlin’s Couch podcast is brought to you by Higher Dose. Supercharge your self care and boost holistic recovery with wellness tools designed to ignite vitality from the inside out. Caitlin personally loves their infrared sauna blanket and uses it several times a week!
It increases the body's thermal energy, enhances relaxation, promotes glowing skin and it's super easy to use. Over time, It will lead you to feel an overall sense of better wellness, improve your mood, make you feel like you’re glowing and boost your immunity!
Get your Higher Dose Sauna Blanket for 15% off when you use the code: CaitlinsCouch at checkout: https://bit.ly/cailtinscouch
Curious if you’re ready for a serious relationship? Take Caitlin’s quiz and find out!
Take the quiz here: Are you Ready for a Serious Relationship?
Don’t forget to tag me on social media with your results!
For more from Caitlin be sure to follow her on Instagram @CaitlinsCouch and Tik Tok @CaitlinsCouch!
Daily Harvest is the fastest, easiest, most delicious way to eat well. I’m obsessed! Use my link to get $25 off of your first order!
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUTQUOTES
Hey there!
If you like our podcast, don’t forget to give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! Your feedback really helps us to continue bringing you our best content, week after week.
If you haven’t already, Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and iheart radio, so you don’t miss out on all the dating and relationship empowerment coming your way!
Welcome to Caitlin’s Couch! In this episode, Caitlin is interviewing ReGina R Smithwick!
ReGina Smithwick was born in Harlem, NY, raised in Mount Vernon, NY, and Teaneck NJ. She now resides in Winterville, NC with her three children. She is the founder of ReGina Smithwick Enterprises LLC, providing Certified Life Coaching and a Professional Organizational service. She is also the creator and producer of Talk Show & Podcast, Let's Talk 1943.
In addition, she is a Motivational Speaker and Author of Adoption: The Unknown Blessing. She also publishes many self-help journals. She attended Virginia State University and received her Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from National University.
Click here to learn more about ReGina’s book on Amazon.
Check out Let’s Talk 1943 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lets-Talk-1943-107586144745499
Follow Lets_Talk 1943 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk1943/
Follow @letstalk1943 on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/letstalk1943/_created/
Visit www.letstalk1943.com
Check out Adoption: The Unknown Blessing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adoptiontheunknownblessing
Follow adoption_theunknownblessing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adoption_theunknownblessing/
The Caitlin’s Couch podcast is brought to you by Higher Dose. Supercharge your self care and boost holistic recovery with wellness tools designed to ignite vitality from the inside out. Caitlin personally loves their infrared sauna blanket and uses it several times a week!
It increases the body's thermal energy, enhances relaxation, promotes glowing skin and it's super easy to use. Over time, It will lead you to feel an overall sense of better wellness, improve your mood, make you feel like you’re glowing and boost your immunity!
Get your Higher Dose Sauna Blanket for 15% off when you use the code: CaitlinsCouch at checkout: https://bit.ly/cailtinscouch
Curious if you’re ready for a serious relationship? Take Caitlin’s quiz and find out!
Take the quiz here: Are you Ready for a Serious Relationship?
Don’t forget to tag me on social media with your results!
For more from Caitlin be sure to follow her on Instagram @CaitlinsCouch and Tik Tok @CaitlinsCouch!
Daily Harvest is the fastest, easiest, most delicious way to eat well. I’m obsessed! Use my link to get $25 off of your first order!
QUOTES
Hey there!
If you like our podcast, don’t forget to give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! Your feedback really helps us to continue bringing you our best content, week after week.
If you haven’t already, Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and iheart radio, so you don’t miss out on all the dating and relationship empowerment coming your way!
Join the Clara’s Voice Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1190399851490363
Check out Kaytlyn’s book, Invisible Bruises: How a Better Understanding of the Patterns of Domestic Violence can Help Survivors Navigate the Legal System: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Bruises-Understanding-Patterns-Survivors/dp/1737551578
The lovingly blunt podcast is brought to you by Higher Dose. Supercharge your self care and boost holistic recovery with wellness tools designed to ignite vitality from the inside out. Caitlin personally loves their infrared sauna blanket and uses it several times a week!
It increases the body's thermal energy, enhances relaxation, promotes glowing skin and it's super easy to use. Over time, It will lead you to feel an overall sense of better wellness, improve your mood, make you feel like you’re glowing and boost your immunity!
Get your Higher Dose Sauna Blanket for 15% off when you use the code: CaitlinsCouch at checkout: https://bit.ly/cailtinscouch
Curious if you’re ready for a serious relationship? Take Caitlin’s quiz and find out!
Take the quiz here: Are you Ready for a Serious Relationship?
Don’t forget to tag me on social media with your results!
For more from Caitlin be sure to follow her on Instagram @CaitlinsCouch and Tik Tok @CaitlinsCouch!
Daily Harvest is the fastest, easiest, most delicious way to eat well. I’m obsessed! Use my link to get $25 off of your first order!
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT
QUOTES
LOVE THE PODCAST?
Hey there!
If you like our podcast, don’t forget to give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! Your feedback really helps us to continue bringing you our best content, week after week.
If you haven’t already, Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and iheart radio, so you don’t miss out on all the dating and relationship empowerment coming your way!
Check out Heidi’s website: https://www.shelovesradically.com/
The lovingly blunt podcast is brought to you by Higher Dose. Supercharge your self care and boost holistic recovery with wellness tools designed to ignite vitality from the inside out. Caitlin personally loves their infrared sauna blanket and uses it several times a week!
It increases the body's thermal energy, enhances relaxation, promotes glowing skin and it's super easy to use. Over time, It will lead you to feel an overall sense of better wellness, improve your mood, make you feel like you’re glowing and boost your immunity!
Get your Higher Dose Sauna Blanket for 15% off. Use Code caitlinscouch at checkout: https://bit.ly/higherdosesaunablanket
Curious if you’re ready for a serious relationship? Take Caitlin’s quiz and find out!
Take the quiz here: Are you Ready for a Serious Relationship?
Don’t forget to tag me on social media with your results!
Follow me on Instagram @CaitlinsCouch and Tik Tok @CaitlinsCouch.
Daily Harvest is the fastest, easiest, most delicious way to eat well. I’m obsessed! Use my link to get $25 off of your first order!
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT
QUOTES
LOVE THE PODCAST?
Hey there!
If you like our podcast, don’t forget to give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! Your feedback really helps us to continue bringing you our best content, week after week.
If you haven’t already, Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and iheart radio, so you don’t miss out on all the dating and relationship empowerment coming your way!
Welcome to Caitlin's Couch! In this episode, Caitlin is interviewing Gabby Valdes! Gabby coaches romantics that work on themselves but still feel hopeless about love. They’re afraid they will never find their person or feel good enough for love. She helps them understand themselves better and feel confident in who they are so that they can find someone special to enjoy life with.
Gabby shares her personal development journey and how she went from her own worst critic, getting in her way constantly and just surviving to feeling empowered and thriving in her romantic relationships.
Check out Gabby’s website: https://www.gabriellevaldes.com/
Free quiz: https://www.gabriellevaldes.com/right-for-you
Curious if you’re ready for a serious relationship? Take Caitlin’s quiz and find out!
Take the quiz here: Are you Ready for a Serious Relationship?
Don’t forget to tag me on social media with your results!
Follow me on Instagram @CaitlinsCouch and Tik Tok @CaitlinsCouch.
Daily Harvest is the fastest, easiest, most delicious way to eat well. I’m obsessed! Use my link to get $25 off of your first order!
QUOTES
LOVE THE PODCAST?
Hey there!
If you like our podcast, don’t forget to give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! Your feedback really helps us to continue bringing you our best content, week after week.
If you haven’t already, Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and iheart radio, so you don’t miss out on all the dating and relationship empowerment coming your way!
Welcome to Caitlin's Couch!
Today Caitlin is interviewing Janice Formichella, breakup coach, writer, and co-host of The Ex-Philes podcast. She supports individuals who are struggling with the pain and confusion of a broken heart to turn their breakup into a magical opportunity. With a focus on overcoming loneliness and living a desire-led life, she works with people to become passionate about being their own soulmates and using solo time as a superpower.
Janice shares her journey to overcoming hardships, stepping into her power and becoming self reliant.
Trigger warning: There is talk of abuse in relationships in this episode.
Follow Janice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiceformichella/
Listen to the Ex Philes Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/exphilespodcast/?hl=en
Curious if you’re ready for a serious relationship? Take Caitlin’s brand new quiz and find out!
Take the quiz here: Are you Ready for a Serious Relationship?
Don’t forget to tag me on social media with your results!
Follow me on Instagram @CaitlinsCouch and Tik Tok @CaitlinsCouch.
Daily Harvest is the fastest, easiest, most delicious way to eat well. I’m obsessed! Use my link to get $25 off of your first order!
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUTQUOTES
Hey there!
If you like our podcast, don’t forget to give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! Your feedback really helps us to continue bringing you our best content, week after week.
If you haven’t already, Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and iheart radio, so you don’t miss out on all the dating and relationship empowerment coming your way!
In this episode of Caitlin's Couch, Caitlin is joined by fellow Dating & Intimacy Coach & Creator of The Art of Feminine Seduction, Alana Mckenzie.
Alana shares her journey from dating failure and non-relationship, to healing her feminine energy.
She shared that what she finds for herself and her clients is that a powerful, long term, meaningful, committed relationship needs a balance of physical and emotional intimacy. This relationship will have both the excitement of physical intimacy, as well as the trust and grounding of emotional intimacy.
Follow Alana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avesselforlove/
Check out Alana’s website: https://www.alanamckenzie.com/
Need advice on dating, relationships, self-worth, boundaries, break-ups, or mental health? Submit your questions anonymously and Caitlin will answer in an upcoming Dear Caitlin column! Submit an entry for Dear Caitlin.
Curious if you’re ready for a serious relationship? Take Caitlin’s brand new quiz and find out!
Take the quiz here: Are you Ready for a Serious Relationship?
Don’t forget to tag me on social media with your results!
Follow me on Instagram @CaitlinsCouch and Tik Tok @CaitlinsCouch.
Daily Harvest is the fastest, easiest, most delicious way to eat well. I’m obsessed! Use my link to get $25 off of your first order!
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT
QUOTES
LOVE THE PODCAST?
Hey there!
If you like our podcast, don’t forget to give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! Your feedback really helps us to continue bringing you our best content, week after week.
If you haven’t already, Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and iheart radio, so you don’t miss out on all the dating and relationship empowerment coming your way!
In this episode of Caitlin's Couch, Caitlin is joined by fellow Dating Coach, Evan Marc Katz.
Evan, a seasoned dating coach, shares his background in dating coaching and how he became who he is today! Caitlin and Evan talk about the common mistakes they see women making in the dating world, and what you need to do to meet the partner of your dreams! You won't want to miss this episode!
Follow Evan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanmarckatzfan/
Check out Evan’s website: https://www.evanmarckatz.com/
There are a few days left to join Empowered AF: The Ultimate Dating Program for Women. Learn more: https://www.caitlinscouch.com/empowered-af-ultimate-dating-program
Need advice on dating, relationships, self-worth, boundaries, break-ups, or mental health? Submit your questions anonymously and Caitlin will answer in an upcoming Dear Caitlin column! Submit an entry for Dear Caitlin.
Curious if you’re ready for a serious relationship? Take Caitlin’s brand new quiz and find out!
Take the quiz here: Are you Ready for a Serious Relationship?
Don’t forget to tag me on social media with your results!
Follow me on Instagram @CaitlinsCouch and Tik Tok @CaitlinsCouch.
Daily Harvest is the fastest, easiest, most delicious way to eat well. I’m obsessed! Use my link to get $25 off of your first order!
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT
LOVE THE PODCAST?
Hey there!
If you like our podcast, don’t forget to give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts! Your feedback really helps us to continue bringing you our best content, week after week.
If you haven’t already, Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and iheart radio, so you don’t miss out on all the dating and relationship empowerment coming your way!
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