Today’s show is a Secret Story! Join me as I narrate the journey of a successful, 40-something Black couple, both previously married and navigating an exclusive relationship for about ten months.

What sparked their challenge? It was a late-night call from an old business mentor who just happened to be an old flame from twenty years ago.

The question becomes, how much do you share with your partner when integrating past connections into the present? Does timing affect trust, and can it impact respect?

Together, we explore how both partners processed revelations about past romantic ties and set new emotional boundaries.

Also, as always, don’t forget - if you have a Secret Story you want to share with me like the one I share in this episode, then I invite you to drop your truth for the next Secret Story episode!

HOW I CAN HELP YOU: Interested in mentorship or coaching? Choose your option here.

HOW YOU CAN HELP ME:  Contribute to my dissertation by sharing your romantic 

Submissions:

Submit your Secret Story or email me a [email protected] 

Book your Awareness + Secret Story Session 

Submit your Safe Story 

Literature & Links Mentioned: 

34: Sharing Emotional Reciprocity

Pop-Up 19: Am I A Wise Woman?

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Time Stamps:

[0:43] - This episode discusses trust, respect, and communication through a Secret Story

[4:44] - A woman who faced disclosure challenges in her new relationship

[7:15] - Personal conviction led her to revisit her approach and the  impact on her boyfriend

[9:59] - Navigating different expectations around transparency and emotional perspectives

[13:47] - Hear how the boyfriend responded with insightful questions

[16:20] - Understanding timing and its impact on reconciliation without blame or judgment

[18:41] - Relationships require trust when guidelines are undefined

[21:37] - A friend's visit emphasized disclosure timing, mutual respect, and clear communication

[27:07] - By setting boundaries, she facilitated a convo that shifted focus from trust to respect

[30:39] - The boyfriend's concerns about respect stemmed from past experiences
[33:13] - Emotional awareness, trust, and respect are important

[35:59] - She struggled with the onset of emotional distance, causing further strain

[41:03] - The impact of past experiences, mismatched  needs, and communication barriers

[42:55] - A common way couples differ on how they approach trust

[49:16] - The importance of creating mutual definitions for your relationship

[52:09] - The danger of applying judgments that do not fit in your current relationship

[54:27] - Alignment requires intentional effort and shared understanding

[56:32] - Collaborative convos can feel seamless when both partners effectively contribute