Relationships don't just change when your partner grows. They change when you do.

And sometimes the hardest part of relationship growth isn't learning new communication skills. It's realizing that certain patterns, roles, and even relationships themselves can't continue the way they once did.

In this episode, Sharon returns to the podcast after a year-long pause to share what's been happening behind the scenes—personally, professionally, and relationally. From stepping away from a full-time career to becoming certified in Relational Life Therapy, the past year has brought both meaningful progress and some deeply emotional realizations.

Because when you start seeing your relationship patterns clearly, there's often something unexpected waiting on the other side: grief.

• Why real relationship growth often brings unexpected grief

• What a "relational reckoning" actually is—and why most couples face it

• The hidden cost of over-functioning and always keeping the peace

• What happens when you stop accommodating unhealthy dynamics

• The deeper purpose of becoming a cycle breaker in your relationships

Growth in relationships isn't just about fixing problems. Sometimes it's about seeing things honestly for the first time.

And that clarity can bring sadness alongside freedom.

But as Sharon shares in this episode, the work of healing our relationships doesn't just affect the present. It ripples outward—changing what we pass down to our children and, in some ways, even honoring the generations who came before us.

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss upcoming episodes as Sharon returns with deeper conversations about real relationship dynamics.

And if you're ready to do this work in your own relationship, learn more about coaching with Sharon Costanzo and how Relational Life Therapy can help you move from recurring conflict to genuine connection.

Find ways to work with Sharon at sharoncostanzo.com/links.

In this final episode before the break, Sharon Costanzo reflects on her year, the thought-provoking books and stories that are on her mind, and how it paints her unique perspective as a woman navigating a world dominated by patriarchal structures. Sharon reflects on recent events, including Blake Lively and Jason Baldoni, the overturning of Donald Trump's sexual assault case, and the broader challenges women face when speaking out. With eyes toward the future, Sharon explores how patriarchy limits men, their happiness, their ability to connect deeply, and offers resources and insights for men and women to create equitable relationships and shared visions for a better future.

Connect with Sharon:

• Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com

• Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected

• Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected

• Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock

Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits:

L. Connor Voice - [email protected]

Lconnorvoice.com

Music Credits:

Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

The holidays can be a challenging time for many women, who often find themselves feeling unappreciated and overwhelmed. In this episode of Respected and Connected, Sharon Costanzo explores why this is such a common experience and how to navigate it with grace and confidence.

Sharon dives into how phrases like "should" can reinforce harmful societal constructs—and why saying "It means a lot to me" can open the door to meaningful communication. Develop winning strategies for feeling more respected and appreciated, and what to do when you don't feel listened to—before you get mad.

Whether you're navigating difficult family dynamics or just trying to enjoy the holidays without resentment, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you feel more connected and valued.

Connect with Sharon:

• Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com

• Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected

• Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected

• Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock

Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits:

L. Connor Voice - [email protected]

Lconnorvoice.com

Music Credits:

Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

In this reflective episode of Respected & Connected, Sharon Costanzo announces that the podcast will be going on hold and shares powerful lessons she's learned along the way. Drawing from her own experiences in business and life, Sharon offers actionable insights on maintaining relational integrity and making aligned decisions. Sharon explores the importance of defining what you want, recognizing what's not working, and breaking free from unhelpful patterns to create meaningful connections. Tune in for inspiration on stepping back, reevaluating priorities, and taking ownership of your happiness and success.

Connect with Sharon:

• Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com

• Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected

• Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected

• Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock

Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits:

L. Connor Voice - [email protected]

Lconnorvoice.com

Music Credits:

Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

In this episode, Sharon discusses three levels of expressing your needs to your partner—invitation, request, and demand — and how each approach is based on how important the issue is to you. Consider these three tools to frame requests in a way that fosters collaboration and mutual respect, helping your partner feel engaged and successful in meeting your needs.

Connect with Sharon:

• Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com

• Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected

• Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected

• Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock

Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits:

L. Connor Voice - [email protected]

Lconnorvoice.com

Music Credits:

Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

Schedule a Gridlock Breakthrough Session and get the clarity and confidence you need to address a relationship challenge: https://www.respectedandconnected.com/gridlock

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Would you be surprised to know that aspects of engineering can be applied to strengthen relationships? Our Guest today, Gabriela Embon, shares with us how the mindset of an engineer can help you set goals, troubleshoot issues, and show up with dedication and commitment when working with your partner. Join us today as Gabriela and Sharon dive into the insights gained from their engineering backgrounds, and how they apply it when working with their clients. Don't miss out on a chance to pick up Gabriela's new book "Becoming a Power Couple".

Gabriela's Links:

https://www.becomingapowercouple.net

https://www.facebook.com/coachingacademynet/

https://www.instagram.com/gabrielaembon/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/coachingacademynet/?originalSubdomain=ca

Connect with Sharon:

• Linktree: https://www.respectedandconnected.com/links

Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits:

L. Connor Voice - [email protected]

Lconnorvoice.com

Music Credits:

Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

Have you ever heard of Relational Life Therapy? It's an incredible tool in couple's therapy! In this episode Sharon takes a moment to describe what Relational Life Therapy is, how it confronts gender norms and empowers couple's to approach each other on an equal field. Learn how RLT can help you show up with love and authenticity to deepen your connection with your partner, and yourself.

Website and Linktree:

Connect with Sharon

• Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com

• Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected

• Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected

• Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock

Relational Life Therapy:

• Website: https://terryreal.com/

Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits:

L. Connor Voice - [email protected]

Lconnorvoice.com

Music Credits:

Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

Have you ever wondered how your past relationships have shaped your emotional responses to your partner?

This episode explores the four different relationship attachment styles. Our Guest today is Bev Mitelman M.A., the founder of Securely Loved. Bev and Sharon dive into attachment styles, and how those subconscious patterns affect how we perceive conflict with our loved ones. Learn about the four key relationship attachment styles; Secure, Anxious Preoccupied, Fearful Avoidant, and Dismissive Avoidant; hear Bev explain how these attachment style form, what patterns they cause us to fall into, and how being aware of your style can allow you to connect more effectively with loved ones.

Bev's Links:

https://www.SecurelyLoved.com

Website and Linktree:

Connect with Sharon

• Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com

• Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected

• Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected

• Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock

Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits:

L. Connor Voice - [email protected]

Lconnorvoice.com

Music Credits:

Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

Tired of feeling let down or resentful in your relationships?

This episode explores the hidden power of disappointment. Sharon dives deep into common mistakes we make when dealing with unmet expectations.

Learn practical skills like the "Feedback Wheel" and "Soft Startup" to transform conflict into connection. Discover how to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms and communicate your needs effectively, even after betrayals or during life transitions.

Website and Linktree:

Connect with Sharon

• Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com

• Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected

• Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected

• Schedule a breakthrough call: https://respectedandconnected.com/gridlock

Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits:

L. Connor Voice - [email protected]

http://www.lconnorvoice.com

Music Credits:

Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative

Is unconditional love a worthwhile aspiration or an unrealistic expectation?

In this episode, Zach Beach shares his insights on the concept of unconditional love and how it can be navigated alongside the necessary boundaries in various relationships. He emphasizes the importance of setting intentions and aspirations, the significance of integrating both the relative and absolute aspects of our human experience, and the necessity of maintaining boundaries as a form of self-love. Zach also explores the roles of the heart and mind in understanding life's challenges, accountability, and the evolutionary aspect of social connections.

Website and Linktree:

Connect with Sharon

• Website: https://www.respectedandconnected.com

• Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/respected_and_connected

• Connect on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RespectedConnected

• Schedule a free call: https://respectedandconnected.com/contact

Connect with Zach Beach

• Zach's Website: https://www.zachbeach.com/

• Zach on Instagram:

• Learn to Love Podcast: https://www.zachbeach.com/podcasts/

• Living front the Heart Podcast: https://www.zachbeach.com/series/living-from-the-heart/

Voice Over, Mixing and Mastering Credits:

L. Connor Voice - [email protected]

Lconnorvoice.com

Music Credits:

Happy Growth - Music Radio Creative