Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2057: Dr. Kelly Flanagan shares a personal story about how a simple misunderstanding over a chocolate chip bagel revealed a deeper insight into his marriage. He explores the distinction between seeking approval and genuinely loving in a relationship. Using examples from marital therapy and his son's guitar recital, he illustrates how love flourishes not through seeking affirmation, but by focusing on the genuine act of loving itself, similar to playing music without seeking approval. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/how-a-chocolate-chip-bagel-almost-ruined-my-marriage/ Quotes to ponder: "Marriage, at its best, is a soaring duet of two people who are paying close attention to the sheet music of love."   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2057: How a Chocolate Chip Bagel Almost Ruined My Marriage by Dr. Kelly Flanagan on Marital Therapy & Understanding Partners

Optimal Relationships Daily, steered by the insightful Greg Audino, a seasoned life coach, is a podcast dedicated to enhancing your personal connections. Greg explores the intricate dynamics of relationships, from dating to marriage and parenting. He handpicks and narrates insightful content from a variety of respected bloggers and experts, offering listeners a rich tapestry of perspectives on relationship building, communication, conflict resolution, and self-love.
Greg's approach is both compassionate and pragmatic, blending his life coaching expertise with relatable experiences and actionable advice. His warm, engaging narration makes even the most complex relationship topics accessible and understandable. By focusing on dating, marriage, and parenting, each episode provides you with the tools needed to improve your personal connections. Whether you're looking to deepen your existing relationships, navigate challenges, or understand the subtleties of human connections, Greg's guidance offers a daily dose of wisdom and inspiration to help you foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships in all areas of your life.
This podcast is designed for those passionate about dating, marriage, and parenting. It’s your go-to source for practical advice on managing your dating life, strengthening your marriage, and effective parenting. Each episode offers actionable steps to foster healthier relationships, emphasizing the importance of dating, marriage, and parenting in achieving a balanced life.
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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2207: Dr. Lisa Firestone explores the dual nature of love as both a feeling and an action, emphasizing that true love is demonstrated through behaviors such as expressing affection and care. By focusing on actionable ways to love, we can improve our relationships and become more loving individuals, moving beyond the fantasy of love to real intimacy and connection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.psychalive.org/making-love-last-by-learning-to-love-2/ Quotes to ponder: "Treating love as an 'entity' or 'idea' often leads to a fantasy of love." "Look at What You Do, Not What You Say." "Breaking your patterns of withholding is an immediate way to become a more loving individual."   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2207: Making Love Last by Learning to Love by Dr. Lisa Firestone of PsychAlive on Creating a Successful Relationship

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2206: Parents play a pivotal role in shaping young adult identities by reinforcing both personal qualities and practical skills. Dr. Jack Stoltzfus highlights the importance of supporting their exploration and being patient while offering a listening ear and valuable feedback. Ultimately, it's about loving and valuing them, ensuring they know their worth as they navigate their path to independence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://parentslettinggo.com/a-parents-critical-role-in-young-adult-identity-formation/ Quotes to ponder: "It's hard to be independent if young adults don’t have a strong sense of who they are and what’s important in their lives." "Reinforce their unique and admirable personal qualities and values, such as being funny, caring, intelligent, creative, likable, friendly, honest, etc." "As adult children develop a more stable identity and establish their independence, they will have less of an inclination to step on each other’s toes." Episode references: Hikikomori Information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ PEW Research Study 2020:https://www.pewresearch.org/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2206: A Parent’s Critical Role in Young Adult Identity Formation by Dr. Jack Stoltzfus of Parents Letting Go on Parenthood

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2205: Leah Campbell shares her journey through depression as a single parent, emphasizing the relentless battle to stay strong for her daughter. Her story highlights the power of parental love and resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges, offering inspiration and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to keep going. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.healthline.com/health/single-parenting-and-depression Quotes to ponder: "Her little light was shining brighter and brighter every day, reminding me of why it was so important to fight through the hurt I was feeling." "Each day, it was a fight. Let there be no doubt: there was a fight." "As a single mother, I didn’t have the luxury of falling apart. I didn’t have the option of breaking."   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2205: As a Single Parent, I Didn’t Have the Luxury of Dealing with Depression by Leah Campbell with Healthline on Parenting

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2204: Embracing your own needs isn't selfish; it can actually strengthen your relationship. Alli Hoff Kosik emphasizes the importance of open-ended questions and empathy to encourage genuine communication. Learn how to strike a balance between selflessness and authenticity to foster a deeper connection with your partner. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/self-interest-not-selfish-relationships/ Quotes to ponder: "These selfless acts may feel good in the moment, but over time, they’ll limit your ability to authentically connect in your relationship."  "If your partner is only taking baby steps away from constant selflessness, take baby steps with them."  "Show your partner that what they’re saying makes sense to you." Episode references: The Relationship Cure: https://www.amazon.com/Relationship-Cure-Strengthening-Marriage-Friendships/dp/0609809539 The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0553447718   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2204: Self-Interest is Not Selfish in Relationships by Alli Hoff Kosik with Gottman on Setting Healthy Boundaries

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2203: Katharine Di Cerbo explains the unique challenges highly sensitive people face with people pleasing, highlighting how it leads to deep resentment, low self-esteem, and exhaustion. She offers practical advice on breaking free from these patterns by recognizing and managing their intuitive gifts, ultimately leading to healthier and more authentic relationships. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://introvertdear.com/news/highly-sensitive-people-these-tricks-can-help-you-break-free-from-people-pleasing/ Quotes to ponder: "Your life can become a vicious cycle of people pleasing followed by defeat, exhaustion, and intense feelings of rejection."  "Start being more explicit about your own desires and needs."  "Recognizing that your intuitive gifts can help free you from people pleasing can be extremely empowering." Episode references: The Highly Sensitive Person: https://www.amazon.com/Highly-Sensitive-Person-Thrive-Overwhelms/dp/0553062182   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2057: How a Chocolate Chip Bagel Almost Ruined My Marriage by Dr. Kelly Flanagan on Marital Therapy & Understanding Partners

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