Is it Me or is it Them? with April Boyd

Send us a text

The episode dives deep into the often-overlooked dynamic where one partner assumes a parental role over the other. We explore the roots of this behavior, how it can backfire, and actionable ways to restore balance in relationships.

 
• The pitfalls of becoming a caretaker rather than a partner
• How societal expectations play into relationship dynamics
• Strategies for breaking the cycle of over-functioning

Check out the "Reset and Reconnect" program for couples ready to evolve their relationship dynamics! 

Get all the details here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?
Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]
Instagram @with.love.april
https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Sign up to get tips & tools sent to your inbox.

https://fun-cell-31288.myflodesk.com/ppxzb70s3e

Please note:
This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed


All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Want to get better at speaking up? Sign up for the free on-demand workshop that will help you be more confident in standing your ground when you're dealing with a boundary bulldozer. Sign up here.

Get on the Newsletter List here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?

Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]

Instagram @with.love.april

https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Please note:

This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed

All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Send us a text

We all know that building healthy relationships requires open communication- but what when they don't want to hear what you have to say?  What about those times when it just seems to cause or fight- or worse- leaves you feeling dismissed and ignored?

When it doesn't feel it's okay to say what you need to say, you can develop a habit of biting your tongue, stuffing down your needs, and just trying harder to be more tolerant, more understanding, more forgiving.

But this doesn't get us what we want- and sometimes, like in my story that I'm sharing with you here- it's actually just makes things worse.

So today we're diving deep into the self-sacrificing and peace-making tendencies that can create emotional distance and contribute to the erosion of a relationship over time.  

Reset & Reconnect is open! This is a course for couples who want to create more balance, have more productive conversations and get back to things feeling fun and easy again.

Get all the details here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?
Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]
Instagram @with.love.april
https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Sign up to get tips & tools sent to your inbox.

https://fun-cell-31288.myflodesk.com/ppxzb70s3e

Please note:
This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed


All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Want to get better at speaking up? Sign up for the free on-demand workshop that will help you be more confident in standing your ground when you're dealing with a boundary bulldozer. Sign up here.

Get on the Newsletter List here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?

Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]

Instagram @with.love.april

https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Please note:

This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed

All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Send us a text

Are you feeling the anxiety & stress that's all around us right now? Me too. That's why I decided to put some energy into the things I can control - and I'm inviting you to do the same by channelling your anxiety into your purpose. 

This conversation is a call to action for those with a yearning to share their ideas—whether it's writing a book, launching a business, or starting a nonprofit. 

Join me Saturday for a free workshop, Create & Contribute, where I'm going to share some of the questions I ask myself and processes I use when I am beginning a new project or putting my work out into the world.

Sign up here.

Right now the world needs more acts of care, service & contribution.  We need more do-gooders. 

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?
Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]
Instagram @with.love.april
https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Sign up to get tips & tools sent to your inbox.

https://fun-cell-31288.myflodesk.com/ppxzb70s3e

Please note:
This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed


All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Want to get better at speaking up? Sign up for the free on-demand workshop that will help you be more confident in standing your ground when you're dealing with a boundary bulldozer. Sign up here.

Get on the Newsletter List here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?

Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]

Instagram @with.love.april

https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Please note:

This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed

All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Send us a text

Can a simple act of validation shift our relationships, both personally and professionally? Join me, April Boyd, as I share insights from my facilitator training session on the "Is it Me or Is it Them" podcast. We'll explore why acknowledging emotions is a critical ingredient in creating genuine connections, helping others and avoiding conflict.

 Whether you're consoling a grieving friend, having a difference of opinion with a colleague, or talking to your partner, understanding the power of validation is key to ensuring everyone feels truly heard and understood. I delve into practical strategies to incorporate this essential tool into your everyday interactions, promising a new level of effective communication and deeper connection.

But that's not all! I extend an invitation to a free workshop aimed at helping you get your gifts and ideas into the world.

This Saturday at 11 am Eastern, we gather for our first session of the "do-gooders club," a place to share your ideas, get support and ask me any questions about how I've wrote my books, created the Love & Loss Project or grew my private practice. 

Whether you're dreaming of writing a book, starting a business, or simply spreading kindness when this world needs it most, this session offers encouragement, clarity, and community support. Your ideas hold immense power, and together, we can harness it to make a meaningful impact in the world. Join us to fuel your imagination and contribute to a kinder, gentler world.

SIGN UP FOR THE WORKSHOP HERE:

https://fun-cell-31288.myflodesk.com/b569939dk0

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?
Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]
Instagram @with.love.april
https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Sign up to get tips & tools sent to your inbox.

https://fun-cell-31288.myflodesk.com/ppxzb70s3e

Please note:
This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed


All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Want to get better at speaking up? Sign up for the free on-demand workshop that will help you be more confident in standing your ground when you're dealing with a boundary bulldozer. Sign up here.

Get on the Newsletter List here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?

Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]

Instagram @with.love.april

https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Please note:

This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed

All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Send us a text

Is it just a rough patch or a sign of a deeper relationship issue? This is the question I should have been asking during my first marriage and today I'm finally going to share my story. Join me, April Boyd, as I unravel the complexities of relationship dynamics, unpacking the difference between temporary stressors and recurring patterns that may indicate something more serious. Through my personal experiences, I touch on the importance of recognizing when a pattern of feeling unseen and unheard becomes too persistent to ignore. This conversation invites you to reflect on your own relationships and consider whether your struggles are truly temporary or symptoms of a larger issue that needs your attention.

As we explore this topic, I'm thrilled to introduce an upcoming program designed to transform relationships by going deeper into your own personal growth, and reconnecting with the stronger, happier version of you as you change the ways you and your partner communicate and connect.  Don't miss your chance to be part of this transformative journey; sign up for my email list to receive exclusive updates and invitations. Thank you for joining me on this path to living more authentic lives and nurturing the relationships that matter most!

SIGN UP TO GET YOUR INVITATION TO RESET & RECONNECT HERE.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?
Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]
Instagram @with.love.april
https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Sign up to get tips & tools sent to your inbox.

https://fun-cell-31288.myflodesk.com/ppxzb70s3e

Please note:
This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed


All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Want to get better at speaking up? Sign up for the free on-demand workshop that will help you be more confident in standing your ground when you're dealing with a boundary bulldozer. Sign up here.

Get on the Newsletter List here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?

Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]

Instagram @with.love.april

https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Please note:

This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed

All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Send us a text

When things feel frightening and uncertain in the world around me, I try to go back to what I know for sure. One thing I know for sure is that we need more do-gooders in this world.  

We need people who care about other people.

We need people who are willing to give more than they take.

We need people who want to use their gifts & energy to help others.

So if you have ever had the urge to create something, start a project, grow a business or offer something that benefits other people, I would love to support you in your work.

Today's episode is a heartfelt invitation to join me for a free workshop, "Create & Contribute," happening on Saturday, February 22nd. This workshop is to offer support and guidance to anyone who wants to share their gifts and ideas in a way that helps others, maybe by starting a project, growing a business, or find meaningful ways to help others. 

Whether you're considering writing a book, starting a fundraising, opening an etsy shop, or even if you don't know yet what you want to offer, you just know you want to use your ideas, energy and resources to offer something good and loving to others, this workshop is your opportunity to get support, clarity and direction.

Get all the details here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?
Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]
Instagram @with.love.april
https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Sign up to get tips & tools sent to your inbox.

https://fun-cell-31288.myflodesk.com/ppxzb70s3e

Please note:
This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed


All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Want to get better at speaking up? Sign up for the free on-demand workshop that will help you be more confident in standing your ground when you're dealing with a boundary bulldozer. Sign up here.

Get on the Newsletter List here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?

Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]

Instagram @with.love.april

https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Please note:

This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed

All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Send us a text

Is it needy to want to feel appreciated?  Or just a basic relationship need? in relationships?  The episode discusses over-giving tendencies, our need for affirmation, and helps you know when you need to speak up- or just validate yourself.  Whether you are dealing with a co-worker, client or spouse, this episode is going to help you know when you just need to be content and confident in what you have to offer- and when we need more reciprocity and balance.

Here's what we're talking about:


• Exploring the tension between self-validation and external appreciation
• Recognizing when we may be over-giving in relationships
• Understanding the importance of reciprocity and mutual recognition
• Validating the desire for words of affirmation as a legitimate need
• Communicating needs in relationships effectively
• Summarizing key questions for self-reflection on giving and receiving
• Introducing the upcoming Relationship Reset program

RESET YOUR RELATIONSHIP STARTS SOON!
here's the details: https://fun-cell-31288.myflodesk.com/klhjku65or

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?
Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]
Instagram @with.love.april
https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Sign up to get tips & tools sent to your inbox.

https://fun-cell-31288.myflodesk.com/ppxzb70s3e

Please note:
This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed


All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Want to get better at speaking up? Sign up for the free on-demand workshop that will help you be more confident in standing your ground when you're dealing with a boundary bulldozer. Sign up here.

Get on the Newsletter List here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?

Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]

Instagram @with.love.april

https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Please note:

This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed

All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Send us a text

Are you in a relationship someone who doesn't seem to carry their weight? Ever found yourself wondering if the trade-offs in your relationship are worth it? Today we're unpacking some of the difficult decisions and dynamics of life with an under-functioning partner. 

Listen in to learn:

• how to tell the difference between your needs & wants.
• decision-making tips for knowing when to stay and go
• new ways of finding a balance that works for your personal values and comfort levels

This episode will help you to get more clarity about whether or not to stay with someone who doesn't seem to make any real effort to live up to their own potential. Together, we'll explore when it works to accept a partner's limitations - and how to avoid being exhausted by them- and when the balance may be too far off to fix.

Throughout our discussion, you'll hear insights on crafting your own relationship rules, understanding that there's no one-size-fits-all blueprint for love. We'll talk about the necessity of recognizing your deal breakers and tapping into your own power within the dynamic. 
 
If our conversation resonates, consider sharing this episode with others who might benefit from it, helping spread the message of better love in long term relationships.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?
Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]
Instagram @with.love.april
https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Sign up to get tips & tools sent to your inbox.

https://fun-cell-31288.myflodesk.com/ppxzb70s3e

Please note:
This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed


All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Want to get better at speaking up? Sign up for the free on-demand workshop that will help you be more confident in standing your ground when you're dealing with a boundary bulldozer. Sign up here.

Get on the Newsletter List here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?

Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]

Instagram @with.love.april

https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Please note:

This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed

All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Send us a text

In this episode of Is It Me or Is It Them?, therapist & coach April Boyd explores the tension and frustration that arise in relationships when someone doesn't get you- and doesn't seem to want to.  Whether you're navigating challenging dynamics with family, in-laws, or friends, this conversation sheds light on how to stop chasing external validation and reclaim your sense of peace and agency.

What You'll Learn:

• How to recognize when you’re stuck in a pattern of frustration and approval-seeking.
• Why relationships can feel harder as you grow and start noticing dynamics that once seemed “normal.”
• The common trap of thinking your only options are “submit” or “burn it down.”
• The importance of stepping into "Option C"—taking care of yourself while letting others be who they are.
• How to shift away from giving others power over your emotional well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Many people feel torn between maintaining harmony by suppressing their needs or risking conflict to stand up for themselves.
• Self-validation begins with accepting that others may not respond the way you hope—and that’s okay.
• It's empowering to let go of trying to force change in others and focus on what you can control in the relationship.

Questions to Reflect On:

• Are you placing your emotional safety in the hands of someone who can’t meet your needs?
• What would it look like to stop chasing validation from others and give it to yourself instead?
• How can you honour your boundaries while maintaining relationships in a way that feels healthier for you?

Listen Now:
Tune in for thoughtful insights and practical tips on creating healthier dynamics without losing yourself in the process.

.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?
Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]
Instagram @with.love.april
https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Sign up to get tips & tools sent to your inbox.

https://fun-cell-31288.myflodesk.com/ppxzb70s3e

Please note:
This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed


All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Want to get better at speaking up? Sign up for the free on-demand workshop that will help you be more confident in standing your ground when you're dealing with a boundary bulldozer. Sign up here.

Get on the Newsletter List here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?

Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]

Instagram @with.love.april

https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Please note:

This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed

All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Send us a text

If I had to pick the one question that has made the biggest difference in my life, my self-esteem and my social circle- this might be the one.  

This episode invites you to reflect on your relationships, work and life with one really simple check in.

Listen in to hear:

•Why we stay stuck in unhealthy relationships & friendships
• How accepting unacceptable behaviour can weigh us down 
• A personal story about confronting a toxic friendship
• How to get more clear & honest about what is working- and what's not

If you only do one piece of self-reflection as you begin the new year, let this be it.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?
Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]
Instagram @with.love.april
https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Sign up to get tips & tools sent to your inbox.

https://fun-cell-31288.myflodesk.com/ppxzb70s3e

Please note:
This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed


All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.

Want to get better at speaking up? Sign up for the free on-demand workshop that will help you be more confident in standing your ground when you're dealing with a boundary bulldozer. Sign up here.

Get on the Newsletter List here.

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear about?

Message me and let me know.

email [email protected]

Instagram @with.love.april

https://www.instagram.com/with.love.april/

Please note:

This show is not a replacement for therapy, assessment, treatment or diagnosis. This show is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. See your physician, counsellor or local crisis support centre if needed

All identifying details about the people and the stories shared here are removed to protect confidentiality.