It doesn't have to be a struggle--sometimes you can haver what you want and give the other person in your life what they want as well. In this repeat episode while Alvean and Doug are recording new episodes, they discuss strategies for  negotiation in a relationship-for couples and in life.  For a complete transcript, click here:LL47-Getting What You Want

In this repeat episode while Alvean and Doug are recording new episodes, we reflect on the ways in which couples can navigate one of the most devastating things they may ever do--ending a relationship.  While it can be an opportunity for personal growth--how you handle it will make all the difference.  For a full transcript of this episode, click here: LL51-Breaking Up

One of the hardest challenges for any relationship is when one or the other partner exhibits passive aggressive behavior.  Doug and Alvean talk about how to recognize this behavior and what to do to avoid being manipulated.  They offer some strategies for coping and achieving resolution of the underlying issues as well. For a transcript of the full episode, click here: 68-The Passive-Aggressive Partner

Doug and Alvean talk about the ways in which we may be enabling hurtful or even harmful behavior with those we are in relationship. They offer some ways to help listeners understand whether they are enabling and strategies to avoid conflict while avoiding the trap of perpetuating behaviors that fail to bring out the best in our partners. For a full transcript of this episode, click here:67-Are you an Enabler?

Parenthood is often something which coupes are poorly prepared for.  How to parent--even if you are not directly responsible for a child of your own is the topic that Doug and Alvean explore in this episode.  For a full transcript, click here: 65-Parenthood

In response to a listener question, Alvean and Doug talk about how to navigate a relationship in the age of pervasive social media. Though they are nearly 35 years apart in age, both Alvean and Doug have cautionary words to say about the pitfalls and hurdles couples face when they live their lives in the fishbowl. For a full transcript of this episode, click here: 64-Relationships and Social Media

Based on a recent personal experience, Doug and Alvean talk about the hurdles couples face when they make the decision to move in together.  Living full time with another person can place a relationship under the spotlight and add stress in surprising ways. Alvean and Doug discuss some strategies to avoid undue stress and make a yours and mine scenario more of an our experience.  For a transcript of the full episode, click here:63-Moving In Together

Every day we are subjected to negativity; in the news in the lives of those around us, perhaps in our own lives.  How to you remain calm and serene in the face of that bombardment?  Is there a secret to remaining positive? Alvean & Doug talk about their approach to a saner life, free from the negative spiral.  For a complete transcript, click here: LL38-Staying Positive in a Negative World

Alvean and Doug describe the five love languages and talk about how to lean what your languages are as well as those of your partner.  Learning to use the right language(s) can make all the difference in how you feel loved and how you make your partner feel.  For a complete transcript of this episode, click here:66-The Love Languages

The birds do it, the bees do it, even men and women do it--or so goes the song.  Why do we flirt, and is it always with the intention of entering into a relationship?  Alvean and Doug talk about the fundamental urge in us that can lead to misread signals or to a lasting relationship.  For a transcript of this episode click here:LL31-Why Men and Women Flirt