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Have you ever felt blindsided by your partner asking for space? Maybe you’re stuck replaying every conversation, wondering how it got to this point. Or perhaps you’re grappling with resentment, thinking, Why didn’t they say something sooner?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for those standing at a relationship crossroads. If you’re dealing with daily conflicts, emotional gaps, or longing to reconnect with someone you deeply care about, this is your space.

In this episode, we answer your most raw and heartfelt questions:

• Why should I appreciate my partner for asking for space, especially when it hurts so much?
• How can I let go of the resentment when they didn’t communicate their struggles sooner?
• Is it okay to reach out during a separation, or will it make things worse?

Together, we’ll uncover why asking for space is often an act of courage, not rejection, and how this moment can open a door to deeper connection and growth. You’ll walk away with actionable tools to navigate the gray areas of space, silence, and second chances.

Don’t miss this powerful episode that might just reframe how you view one of the hardest moments in your relationship journey.

Timestamps:

02:15 Understanding the Need for Space
05:48 Balancing Sadness and Empathy
08:01 Self-Reflection and Communication
11:58 Creating a Safe Space for Difficult Conversations
20:53 When to Reach Out During Space and Separation
24:07 The Importance of Self-Integrity
24:36 Understanding Emotional Drivers
25:03 Dealing with Separation and Unrequited Love
25:57 The Capacity to Love Many
28:47 Effective Communication in Relationships
30:54 Creating Space in Relationships
39:01 Navigating Separation with Children
41:10 Final Thoughts and Resources

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic. It doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship. Instead, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide is designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust—on your own terms and timeline. Learn more and get started today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and gaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, discover the tools and support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

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Have you found yourself in the unsettling quiet of giving your partner the space they asked for, wondering if you’re doing the right thing, or if you’re losing them altogether? The silence can be deafening, filled with questions: Am I helping or hurting? Is this space tearing us apart, or could it actually bring us closer?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone standing at a relationship crossroads, unsure of how to bridge the growing gap. If you’re facing daily conflicts, emotional distance, or moments of doubt about whether love can survive the strain, you’re in the right place. Together, we uncover the skills and strategies to rebuild bonds that are genuine and lasting.

In this episode, we tackle the burning question: How much space is too much? We’ll explore how to honor someone’s need for space while maintaining a connection, and why this time apart might be the very thing your relationship needs to grow.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with practical tools to create clarity during times of separation, establish healthy boundaries, and navigate the emotional uncertainty with intention and confidence.

And here’s the twist: we’re not just talking about “giving space” to your partner. We’re diving into how to use this time to reconnect with yourself, strengthen your foundation, and discover the opportunities hidden within the discomfort.

So, grab your headphones and step into the Love Shack, where we’ll guide you through this challenging season with wisdom, hope, and actionable insights.

Your journey starts here.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Navigating Relationship Crossroads
01:14 Understanding the Need for Space
02:04 The Challenges of Giving Space
02:58 Learning Relationship Skills
04:47 Facing the Reality of Relationship Issues
07:39 Common Misconceptions About Space
19:23 The Importance of Clear Communication
20:25 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Space
29:30 Understanding the Need for Space
30:22 The Emotional Struggle of Asking for Space
31:36 The Pressure of Using Space Correctly
35:25 Creating a Plan for Space
37:12 Setting Agreements and Expectations
40:08 Navigating No Contact Periods
42:30 The Importance of Clarity and Communication
53:32 Tools and Resources for Separation
55:41 Reflecting on Personal Needs and Agreements
57:14 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic. It doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship. Instead, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide is designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust—on your own terms and timeline. Learn more and get started today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and gaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, discover the tools and support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

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Feeling stuck in the space between staying and leaving?

That painful limbo, where your relationship isn’t thriving, but it’s not over either, can feel like a roller coaster of hope, despair, and confusion. Whether your partner has asked for space, filed for divorce, or you’re simply feeling emotionally disconnected, you might be asking yourself: Can this relationship be saved, or am I fooling myself?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone at a relationship crossroads. Hosted by Staci Bartley, along with her husband, Tom, and daughter, Brooke, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of love and partnership with honesty, compassion, and practical tools.

In this episode, we’re diving into what we call The Land of Maybe—the uncertain, emotional space where relationships are tested to their core. We’ll explore:

• Why this space feels like “hell on earth” and how to find peace amidst the chaos.
• How letting go of control (not hope) can create powerful new possibilities.
• What needs to happen for healing, even when one partner seems resolved to leave.
• Real stories of couples who found clarity and growth, whether together or apart.

If you’re holding on, unsure what to do next, this episode is for you. Discover how to shift from fear and confusion to clarity and strength. Because space doesn’t have to mean the end, it can be the beginning of transformation.

Let’s uncover what’s possible. Join us in the Love Shack.

Timestamps: 

• 03:19 Listener Question: Avoiding Divorce
• 05:13 Emotional Rollercoaster of Uncertainty
• 07:31 The Importance of Honest Communication
• 11:35 Navigating Emotional Pain and Discomfort
• 21:02 The Power of Letting Go
• 29:29 Creating Emotional Safety
• 33:45 The Consequences of Avoiding Difficult Conversations
• 35:52 The Importance of Honest Communication
• 37:22 Learning to Communicate Effectively
• 39:00 Personal Stories and Examples
• 41:25 The Lifelong Journey of Relationship Skills
• 44:10 Navigating Relationship Challenges
• 47:58 The Power of Self-Reflection
• 53:23 Envisioning a Future of New Possibilities
• 57:38 Conclusion and Resources

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic—it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship. Instead, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide is designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust—on your own terms and timeline. Learn more and get started today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and gaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, discover the tools and support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

Your journey toward clarity and strength starts now.

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Have you ever watched someone you love slowly fade into emotional darkness, desperately wanting to help but feeling powerless as they pull away? Or perhaps you're the one who feels the overwhelming need to withdraw, even as your heart aches for connection?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, where we guide couples standing at the crossroads of their relationships, helping them navigate the complex terrain between disconnection and lasting intimacy.

In this rare and powerful episode, we're joined by Mason, who once identified as avoidant but has since transformed his relationship with both himself and others. Through his raw and honest story, we'll uncover:

• What it really feels like to be in that "deep, dark hole" of avoidant attachment
• Why highly sensitive people often find themselves pulling away from those they love most
• The surprising truth about why space and separation can sometimes be the greatest gift
• How to transform the pain of withdrawal into a journey of self-discovery

This isn't just another conversation about attachment theory. It's a story of how one person found his way back to life after believing he was "broken" – and how you can too.

Join Staci, Tom, and Brooke as they dive deep into the misunderstood world of avoidant attachment, debunking myths and offering hope for both those who withdraw and those who love them.

Whether you're the one needing space or the one feeling left behind, this episode illuminates the path forward with compassion, understanding, and practical wisdom for your own journey of transformation.

Timestamps:

02:35 Attachment Theory Basics
05:14 Debunking Myths About Avoidant Attachment
06:20 Mason's Personal Experience
07:34 The Struggles of Avoidant Attachment
29:37 The Turning Point
36:03 Navigating Vulnerability and Avoidance
37:23 The Precious Gift of Self-Reflection
43:00 Embracing Emotional Presence
45:09 Balancing Coping Mechanisms
48:25 Facing Yourself and Overcoming Avoidance
51:24 The Power of Community Support
53:32 Resources and Final Thoughts

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic—it’s not the end. It’s an opportunity to reflect, rebuild, and reconnect.

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your essential guide to managing emotional distance, staying grounded, and creating clarity during this uncertain time. Get it here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore the 30-Day Roadmap: A step-by-step guide designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust in your relationship. Learn more here: https://stacibartley.com/30-day-roadmap/sales

✨ Discover All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the perfect fit to support your relationship journey. Explore here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Exclusive for Podcast Listeners: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock your special discount!

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It’s one of the most gut-wrenching moments in a relationship: your partner asks for space. You’re left reeling, questioning everything. Why does this hurt so much? Why can’t they just stay and work through it with me? What am I supposed to do now?

In this special episode of Love Shack Live, we’re diving deep into what it really means when your partner asks for space, and why it’s not necessarily the end. With insights drawn from thousands of relationships, we’ll explore the anxious-avoidant dynamic, the emotional weight both partners carry, and how this painful moment can actually become a catalyst for transformation.

We’ll answer your most pressing questions:

• Why does space feel so unbearable?
• What steps can you take to navigate this phase without losing yourself?
• How do you foster growth when everything feels uncertain?

Whether you’re feeling anxious, avoidant, or just stuck, this episode offers practical strategies to stop spiraling, understand what’s really happening beneath the surface, and find your footing again.

Because space isn’t just an ending, it can be the beginning of something new, something better. Let’s take the first step together.

Timestamps:
 
02:36 Understanding the Anxious-Avoidant Paradox
03:20 Coping Mechanisms: Avoidant vs. Anxious
06:51 The Role of Space in Relationships
10:19 Navigating Emotional Pushups
14:31 The Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries
21:56 Building Interdependence in Relationships
26:20 Effective Communication Strategies
29:07 Navigating Space in Relationships
29:37 Cooling Off Period and Separation Agreement
30:41 Avoiding the Land of Maybe
31:06 Emotional Impact of Uncertainty
31:42 Creating a Separation Agreement
32:51 The Importance of a Plan During Space
37:02 Dealing with Strong Emotions
41:48 Coping with a Partner Seeing Someone Else
45:38 Letting Go and Self-Forgiveness
49:47 The Love In Limbo 30-Day Roadmap
50:53 Creating Fun and Relaxation in Relationships
53:38 Song of the Week: Grow as We Go by Ben Platt
54:49 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic—it’s not the end. It’s an opportunity to reflect, rebuild, and reconnect.

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your essential guide to managing emotional distance, staying grounded, and creating clarity during this uncertain time. Get it here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore the 30-Day Roadmap: A step-by-step guide designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust in your relationship. Learn more here: https://stacibartley.com/30-day-roadmap/sales

✨ Discover All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the perfect fit to support your relationship journey. Explore here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Exclusive for Podcast Listeners: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock your special discount!

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“I Can’t Do This Anymore”

Few words can hit harder. In an instant, your world tilts. Your mind races, your heart pounds, and suddenly, you’re questioning everything. When your partner says they need space, it’s natural to spiral. But what if this isn’t the end? What if it’s a chance to rewrite your story?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone standing at the crossroads of their relationship. Hosted by relationship mentor Staci Bartley, alongside her husband Tom and daughter Brooke, we tackle the tough conversations and provide real, actionable tools to help you navigate even the hardest moments with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, we’re cutting through the chaos of relationship crisis to uncover the deeper truths behind those painful words. You’ll learn:

• Why reacting in panic leads to regret, and what to do instead
• How to find hidden opportunities in your partner’s need for space
• The key to breaking free from the fear cycle that keeps you stuck
• Practical tools to rebuild emotional stability when everything feels uncertain

This isn’t about gimmicks or chasing after someone who feels distant. It’s about slowing down, regaining control, and discovering why this moment, painful as it feels, might be the start of something transformative.

What if the greatest challenge in your relationship was also the greatest invitation for growth? Let’s find out together.

Subscribe now to join a community committed to building authentic, lasting love, one conversation at a time.

Timestamps:
03:45 The Role of Fear in Relationships
04:40 Psychological Drivers of Fear
08:26 The Impact of Fear on Decision Making
22:03 The Importance of Emotional Safety
29:07 Distorted Beliefs and Radical Behavior
29:23 Facing Fear and Desperation
29:57 Common Distorted Thinking Patterns
30:47 Blaming and Personalizing
32:58 Catastrophizing and Generalizing
36:07 Tools to Manage Fear
40:40 Navigating Relationship Space
42:59 Transformative Shifts and Self-Discovery
46:35 Final Thoughts and Resources

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic—it’s not the end. It’s an opportunity to reflect, rebuild, and reconnect.

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your essential guide to managing emotional distance, staying grounded, and creating clarity during this uncertain time. Get it here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore the 30-Day Roadmap: A step-by-step guide designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust in your relationship. Learn more here: https://stacibartley.com/30-day-roadmap/sales

✨ Discover All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the perfect fit to support your relationship journey. Explore here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Exclusive for Podcast Listeners: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock your special discount!

Send us a text

When your partner asks for space, your thoughts can spiral into overdrive. You replay every conversation, overanalyze their actions, and question everything. It’s exhausting, and the more you think, the deeper you sink. To make it worse, you isolate yourself, convinced no one can understand your pain. But here’s the truth: isolation doesn’t protect you—it traps you.

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone navigating relationship challenges. If daily conflict and growing emotional distance have left you feeling stuck, you’re in the right place. We’re here to help you find clarity, confidence, and connection—even in the hardest moments.

In this episode, we’ll explore how overthinking and isolation fuel each other, keeping you stuck in a cycle of suffering. You’ll discover:

• Why isolating yourself after your partner asks for space makes overthinking worse.
• The hidden costs of trying to solve everything on your own.
• How community and connection offer the clarity you need to move forward.

If you’re tired of the mental spiral and ready to find relief, this conversation is your lifeline. Join us as we break down the steps to escape the isolation trap and build a foundation of strength and support.

Timestamps:
02:01 The Dangers of Isolation
03:45 Breaking Free from Isolation
07:44 The Power of Community
11:15 Signs of Too Much Isolation
19:32 Challenges of Talking to Friends and Family
23:41 Making Empowered Decisions
25:49 Embracing Community for Healing
27:42 The Power of Diverse Communities
28:23 Emotional Intelligence and Problem Solving
29:11 The Importance of Feeling Included
29:53 The Role of Emotional Support
33:20 Confidentiality and Trust
34:35 The Joy and Celebration in Community
35:54 One-on-One vs. Group Support
42:54 The Roadmap Experience
44:52 Encouragement to Join the Community
51:15 Active Listening Challenge
54:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic—it’s not the end. It’s an opportunity to reflect, rebuild, and reconnect.

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your essential guide to managing emotional distance, staying grounded, and creating clarity during this uncertain time. Get it here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore the 30-Day Roadmap: A step-by-step guide designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust in your relationship. Learn more here: https://stacibartley.com/30-day-roadmap/sales

✨ Discover All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the perfect fit to support your relationship journey. Explore here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Exclusive for Podcast Listeners: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock your special discount!

Send us a text

You felt the divide long before it was spoken. The missed glances. The quiet tension. Then the words you dreaded: “I think I need space.”

Your stomach drops. Panic sets in. You’ve tried everything—giving more, doing more, being more. And now, it feels like the end. But what if it’s not? What if this moment, as painful as it feels, is an opportunity?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for those at a relationship crossroads—where conflict feels constant, emotional gaps grow wider, and the desire for something real and lasting remains strong.

In today’s episode, we tackle the pivotal moment when a partner asks for space. What does it really mean? Is it the beginning of the end—or the start of something new?

Together, we’ll explore:

• Why “I need space” is often a cry for self-reflection, not failure.
• Practical ways to honor your partner’s need for distance without losing yourself.
• How to transform this time into an opportunity for clarity, growth, and deeper connection.

This isn’t about panic or quick fixes. It’s about stepping into empowerment, uncovering truths, and building the foundation for something stronger—whether within your relationship or yourself.

Let’s dive in. Your story isn’t over. It’s just beginning.

Timestamps:

02:39 The Role of Self-Reflection and Overwhelm
04:37 The Importance of Relationship Skills
07:43 Debunking Myths About Needing Space
12:04 Managing Panic and Anxiety
17:41 Establishing Agreements During Separation
24:04 Managing Panic and Regret
24:27 Focusing on Yourself
25:41 Understanding and Managing Emotions
27:44 Breathing Techniques for Calm
29:16 Finding Productive Distractions
33:06 Emotional Regulation and Communication
38:07 The 30 Day Roadmap
43:46 Nature's Healing Power
45:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic—it’s not the end. It’s an opportunity to reflect, rebuild, and reconnect.

✨ Explore the 30-Day Roadmap: A step-by-step guide designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust in your relationship. Learn more here: https://stacibartley.com/30-day-roadmap/sales

✨ Discover All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the perfect fit to support your relationship journey. Explore here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Exclusive for Podcast Listeners: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock your special discount!

Take this moment as a chance to grow—both individually and together. ❤️

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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!)

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Ever feel like you’re walking on eggshells, second-guessing every word you say or action you take in your relationship? Or maybe you notice a quiet tension—like something unspoken is driving your connection further apart. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: manipulation often hides in plain sight. And it’s not just them—it’s us, too.

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone at a relationship crossroads. If you’re stuck in daily conflicts or feeling a growing emotional gap, we’re here to help you rebuild a bond that’s real, lasting, and built on mutual respect. We’ve guided thousands of couples to rediscover connection—and we’re here to guide you, too.

In this episode, we’re uncovering the often-overlooked dynamics of manipulation. What does it look like in your relationship? Why does it happen even when your intentions are good? And how can you break free from it without sacrificing what you need?

Together, we’ll explore:

• The surprising ways manipulation sneaks into everyday interactions.
• How it damages emotional safety and connection over time.
• Practical, actionable steps to communicate clearly, ask for what you need, and rebuild trust.

Ready to let go of the silent power struggles and create the honest, loving connection you deserve? Press play—this is the conversation your relationship needs.

Timestamps:

03:37 Forms of Manipulation
06:43 The Power Dynamics of Manipulation
24:17 Personal Story: Manipulation in Action
30:52 Recognizing Subtle Manipulation in Relationships
30:58 The Blame Game: Self-Doubt and Manipulation
33:21 Creating Doubt: The Ice Cream Parlor Example
35:17 The Power of Asking Directly
37:26 Understanding and Overcoming Manipulation
40:06 The Importance of Honest Conversations
42:36 Empowering Yourself to Ask for What You Need
45:18 The Impact of Manipulation on Relationships
53:06 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

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!)