Make Some Noise with Andrea Owen

Episode 694: When One Partner Grows and the Other Doesn’t


Listen Later

I’m back with a deep dive into a topic that many listeners have either asked me directly or perhaps quietly wondered about but may not say out loud: what happens when one partner is invested in personal growth and the other isn’t? Drawing from my own journey, years of interviews with experts, and Gottman Institute research, I explore in this solo episode how this dynamic plays out in relationships and what it can mean for intimacy, compatibility, and long-term partnership.

Relationships don’t always end because of one big betrayal or crisis. Sometimes, they slowly drift apart as one person evolves and the other prefers comfort and predictability. I’m unpacking the tension between growth-oriented partners and stability-oriented partners—and ask the hard question: can these two ways of being coexist, or does the gap eventually become too wide?

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • How growth-oriented and stability-oriented partners value relationships differently 
  • The ways personal transformation can unintentionally feel like criticism 
  • Why recurring arguments often reveal deeper, unspoken dreams 
  • What happens when one partner turns toward—or away from—bids for connection 
  • How couples can accept influence from each other without fully sharing the same goals 
  • A framework for building a shared meaning system that balances stability and growth 
  • The moment of clarity that comes from realizing you’re asking for more than the relationship can provide 
  • Why leaving isn’t always failure, but sometimes an act of integrity
  • At its core, this conversation is about honoring both your partner’s truth and your own. My invitation to you is to invite you to reflect on what you most deeply want in a relationship and to trust your intuition when the paths no longer align.

    Resources from this episode:

    Email me ([email protected]) or send me a DM on Instagram if you’re interested in deeper work in a new group program I’ll be offering soon! 
    691 When Growth Rocks the Boat
    668: Lesson 8: Leaving people behind to find yourself
    Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman

    Book recommendations: I love a good personal development book, and you do too, right? I’ve compiled a list of book recommendations, as mentioned in past episodes. Check out these amazing book recommendations here. Happy reading!  

    MSN is supported by: We love the sponsors that make our show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: andreaowen.com/sponsors/

    Episode link:
    https://andreaowen.com/podcast/694

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Make Some Noise with Andrea OwenBy Andrea Owen

    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7

    4.7

    493 ratings


    More shows like Make Some Noise with Andrea Owen

    View all
    Life Coaching with Christine Hassler by Christine Hassler

    Life Coaching with Christine Hassler

    1,623 Listeners

    The Terri Cole Show by Terri Cole

    The Terri Cole Show

    1,393 Listeners

    The Michelle Chalfant Show — Life from the Adult Chair by Michelle Chalfant

    The Michelle Chalfant Show — Life from the Adult Chair

    1,542 Listeners

    The Cathy Heller Podcast with Cathy Heller: Making Manifestation Make Sense by Cathy Heller

    The Cathy Heller Podcast with Cathy Heller: Making Manifestation Make Sense

    7,703 Listeners

    The Marie Forleo Podcast by Marie Forleo

    The Marie Forleo Podcast

    1,644 Listeners

    UnF*ck Your Brain: Feminist Self-Help for Everyone by Kara Loewentheil

    UnF*ck Your Brain: Feminist Self-Help for Everyone

    5,125 Listeners

    The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast by Kate Anthony, CPCC

    The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast

    568 Listeners

    The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast with Susan Guthrie, Esq. by Susan Guthrie

    The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast with Susan Guthrie, Esq.

    229 Listeners

    Dear Gabby by Gabby Bernstein

    Dear Gabby

    6,080 Listeners

    On Attachment by Stephanie Rigg

    On Attachment

    1,049 Listeners

    The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

    The Mel Robbins Podcast

    19,676 Listeners

    The Sabrina Zohar Show by The Sabrina Zohar Show

    The Sabrina Zohar Show

    5,022 Listeners

    Healing + Human Potential by Alyssa Nobriga

    Healing + Human Potential

    358 Listeners

    Divorce with Sam and Leah by Sam and Leah

    Divorce with Sam and Leah

    46 Listeners

    The Oprah Podcast by Harpo

    The Oprah Podcast

    1,858 Listeners