In this episode, Doug and Dr. Talia take on “defensiveness” as the most common maladaptive self-protective coping strategy in relationships. As you all know, that doesn’t tend to go well. We feel attacked, defend ourselves, or maybe we roll our eyes, sigh heavily and tell our partner they misunderstood or they are too sensitive. We might not realize that we are creating a rupture by not validating their experience in that moment, but we are. Tune in to learn practical strategies to take that crucial momentary pause and learn to respond differently in those moments. Your partner will thank you!

Can differing ambition levels tank a relationship? When can it work and when is it a crack in the pavement? She loves him. He is happy to be who he is where he is, and there is no stopping her ambitious career path. An amazing mailbag episode honoring love from all walks of life.

In this poignant and emotional mailbag episode, Doug and Dr. Talia touch on the painful realities of being in love with with a partner who is deep in addiction and not taking ownership of the issues or making efforts towards healing and changing. How much can a partner put up with? Can you force them to go to treatment? When do you leave? What if they are the love of your life?

In this episode, Dr Talia and Doug look at the pros and cons of a significant age gap in relationships. What matters most is emotional maturity, communication style and the ability to appreciate each others special contributions of wisdom or playfulness. But what about bridging the gap? What about social perception? Tune in and find out how to navigate these complex and often wonderful relationships!

In this episode we address a listener's concern that he can't stop fixating on his first love, even though he is happy in his relationship and his ex is married with children. Doug and Dr Talia look at the power of first love from many angles. Are we obsessing or just nostalgic? How can we make our warm memories fuel a warmer current relationship? How can we reclaim the parts of us we have lost that were merely highlighted in those early relationships? And is there a pattern in when we feel that longing? Could it be when we feel disconnected in our current relationship? Tune in and find out!

In this mailbag episode, Dr. Talia and Doug take on a really important couples’ question;“how important are shared interests in a relationship?” It turns out they’re not necessary for the survival of a relationship, but it is undeniable that it can do wonders in creating connection and joy when a couple shares new adventures and memories. It’s also crucial to have your own individual interests that light you up whether you are alone or with friends, and of course a balance of both is ideal for a happy partnership and life satisfaction. Tune in!

In this episode, Doug and Talia discuss the complexities of workplace friendships, particularly those involving the opposite sex, and the impact these relationships can have on romantic partnerships. They explore themes of jealousy, trust, and communication, emphasizing the importance of transparency and emotional intimacy in relationships. The conversation also touches on the role of couples therapy in addressing insecurities and fostering healthier dynamics between partners. The hosts provide insights into navigating these challenges while maintaining fulfilling friendships and relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Workplace Friendships

02:51 Understanding Jealousy and Trust in Relationships

05:48 The Role of Couples Therapy

09:08 Men and Women: Different Perspectives on Friendships

11:56 Emotional Intimacy and Relationship Dynamics

14:47 Signs of a Healthy Work-Spouse Relationship

17:59 Balancing Work and Home Life

20:49 Final Thoughts on Friendship and Trust

This great New York Times article “What Sex Therapists Wish We Knew” really sparked some heated conversations and Doug and Dr. Talia wanted to share all of them with you. We talk about comparison being the thief of sexual joy, updating your definition of sex, and the different types of desire. You will definitely want to listen to this one. And don’t forget to share it with all of your lovers!

We're Not Fine

https://werenotfine.com

Shop the Pod: https://werenotfine.com/shop

Instagram: @werenotfinepod

Doug Jensen

Profile: https://werenotfine.com/our-team/

Email: [email protected]

IG: douglasljensen

Twitter: dougjensen4Cs

Dr. Talia Jackson

Profile: https://werenotfine.com/our-team/

Email: [email protected]

IG: @drtaliajackson

Twitter: @Talia.Jackson77

Sometimes incompatibility is a death sentence for a relationship, and other times it becomes clear that the way you are communicating your expectations is a bigger problem than incompatibility. This episode will help you determine whether upleveled relationship skills are what you need, or if your issues are truly dealbreakers threatening your longevity.

We're Not Fine

https://werenotfine.com

Shop the Pod: https://werenotfine.com/shop

Instagram: @werenotfinepod

Doug Jensen

Profile: https://werenotfine.com/our-team/

Email: [email protected]

IG: douglasljensen

Twitter: dougjensen4Cs

Dr. Talia Jackson

Profile: https://werenotfine.com/our-team/

Email: [email protected]

IG: @drtaliajackson

Twitter: @Talia.Jackson77

In this episode, Dr Talia, Doug and Shanenn Bryant, the host of the Top Self Podcast respond to jealousy provoking scenarios, and test out the Jealousy Scale. Would you be okay if your partner kept a minor infidelity from you? Would you be upset if your partner showed you cute people they are following online or would it more upsetting to see their likes behind closed doors? We’d love to hear from you!