Have you ever been in a relationship where your partner has threatened to hurt themselves if you leave?  Unfortunately, this is a surprisingly common situation that I hear from a lot of you. In today’s Language of Love Bite, I want to equip you with a few tools to navigate a situation with someone who is either genuinely at risk or might be using suicidal thoughts as emotional blackmail. The tips I outline will hopefully give you some comfort and peace when navigating a stressful situation such as this.  In this Bite, I explore:
What emotional manipulation looks like 
The important difference between Suicidal thoughts/ideation vs. a suicidal plan
How to spot some of the red flags in someone at risk
Steps to take to leave the relationship in a way that leaves your partner protected. 


If you’re afraid that your partner is going to hurt themselves and don’t know what to do, call a clinician, 1-800-273-8255, or dial the suicide hot line 988. Erring on the side of caution will give you the peace of mind that you need. No matter what happens, remember that no one is entitled to hold you emotional (or any kind of) hostage.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When You want to Go But Your Partner Threatens to Hurt Themselves if You Do!

Language of Love is a weekly podcast where Dr. Berman shares her compassionate, humorous, and no-nonsense advice: answering listener questions and interviewing thought leaders and experts on relevant topics. Dr. Berman is ready to help you create the fulfilling and passionate love life you deserve, regardless of your relationship status, gender, or sexual orientation. Are you ready to get started?

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In this episode of the Language of Love Session, I continue my conversation with Marla and Ken, a couple I've been helping to understand the hurdles they've faced and the strides they've made in enhancing their emotional and physical intimacy. 
We delve into the details of their physical intimacy and sexual relationship. Ken opens up about his struggle with sexual energy and desire, which he feels is lacking, describing it as "flat." Although his testosterone levels have been normal in past tests, we get into how misleading the wide range of “normal” is, and how important it is to have results read by someone who’s really trained in anti-aging medicine and hormone therapy. I also cover the important role testosterone plays, not only for sexual desire but also for overall well-being, and we discuss various hormone replacement options. 
Marla shares her perspective as well, and together we reflect on how Ken's recent retirement might be influencing his energy and motivation. I advise them to consult with a specialist in sexual medicine to address these concerns, with the hope of enhancing their relationship. 
Here is what we explore:
Importance of initiating physical intimacy in the relationship
Emphasis on sensual and erotic touch to strengthen the connection
Retirement and its impact on confidence and sense of purpose
Testosterone therapy and its potential impact on sexual energy and general well-bein

Remember, the journey to rekindling intimacy is both personal and universal. Check out my website for books and courses like Quantum Sex to improve your sex life, along with many others. 
 
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Hormone Therapy and the Path to Renewed Passion

In this Language of Love Bite, I'm diving into a topic that seems to be on a lot of men's minds: penis size. I know it's a sensitive subject, but it's important to talk about the concerns and misconceptions that surround it. 
 Let's get one thing straight: the myths about what's considered "average" size are pervasive. I came across a study that really puts things into perspective—50% of men weren't happy with their size, yet a staggering 80% of women were actually content with their partner's size. This discrepancy shows that the pressure men feel is often internal and not based on the reality of their partners' satisfaction. 
 I want to caution you against making comparisons to what you see in pornography. Porn is not real life, and it's certainly not a benchmark for your own body. And when it comes to treatments that promise to increase size, please be wary. There are countless products and procedures out there, from penis extenders to surgery, but they come with limited benefits and significant risks. 
 I want to reassure you that in most cases, your size is more than adequate. What's truly important in a sexual relationship is technique and the emotional connection you share with your partner.  
 Remember, if you're seeking to elevate your sex life, visit my website and explore my course on quantum sex. 
 
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Size Matters... or Does It?

As parents, we play a critical role of being a safe container for our children's emotions. It's so important for us to understand that our kids need us to be their emotional anchors. And let's be honest, that's not always easy. It means we have to do the hard work of unlearning some of our own past conditioning so we can better co-regulate with our little ones. 
In this episode of The Language of Love, I'm joined by the wonderful parenting coach Cassidy Callan. Together, we're diving into the intricate world of parenting, with a special focus on emotional intelligence. Cassidy is here to offer some invaluable advice on how to handle those inevitable emotional outbursts. She's a pro at guiding parents on the importance of grounding, empathy, and validation. It's not just about managing the outbursts—it's about understanding them and using those moments as opportunities for connection and growth. 
We're also going to emphasize the significance of being present and empathetic. I can't stress enough how modeling emotional regulation is key. Creating a nurturing environment is essential for children to develop their emotional intelligence. Our kids learn from watching us, so it's up to us to show them what it looks like to handle emotions in a healthy way. 
 We explore:
Creating a safe and empathetic environment for emotional expression and regulation
The impact of parents' emotional state on children
Collaborative and cooperative parenting
Supporting children's emotional development and nurturing their unique abilities and gifts
The challenges of regulating emotions in public settings
Validating and empathizing with children's emotions

 Be sure to check out my website for my courses, books, and products that can help you love and be loved better. 
 
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Unleashing the Power of Emotional Parenting with Cassidy Callan

In this Language of Love Session, I have the privilege of reconnecting with Victoria, a courageous soul navigating the turbulent waters of her relationship after her partner's cancer diagnosis. Her story is one of love, resilience, and the quest for balance amidst life's unexpected challenges.  
 Victoria's experience is a reminder of how illness can transform not only the life of the person diagnosed but also that of their partner. She bravely shares her frustrations about feeling lost in the role of a caretaker, a sentiment that many can relate to. The balance between supporting a loved one and maintaining one's sense of self is delicate and often difficult to achieve. 
 Here's a sneak peek of what we discuss:
Victoria's struggles in her relationship after her partner's cancer diagnosis and treatment
The intricate balance of healing and growth within a relationship affected by illness
The complexities of confronting uncertainty and the allure of looking for answers externally
The importance of open communication and seeking professional help

 Remember that relationships are a dance of give and take, especially in times of crisis. It's through our challenges that we often find our greatest strengths and learn the most about ourselves and our partners. Don't forget to check out my website for courses designed to improve your sex life and relationships! 
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Finding Balance in the Wake of Cancer

Do you find yourself in a place where you feel less attractive or irresistible to your partner? You're not alone. It's a common challenge that many people face in their relationships. The good news is that there are strategies and actions you can take to become truly irresistible to your partner. 
 In this Language of Love Bite, I share some golden nuggets to make you absolutely irresistible to your partner. Together, we dive into these transformative insights that can sprinkle some magic into your relationship. From cherishing your independence to keeping that flame of desire alive with little gestures of love, each tip is like a spark igniting deeper connections and joy. 
 As we journey through the importance of loving yourself, looking after your appearance, and daring to explore new adventures together, a path unfolds. It's not just about spicing things up for a moment; it's about nurturing a love that's lasting and electrifying. With these simple yet powerful principles of independence, desire, appearance, exploration, and self-love, you will be on your way to crafting a relationship that's irresistibly beautiful. 
 Remember, if you're seeking to elevate your sex life, visit my website and explore my course on quantum sex. 
 
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When You want to Go But Your Partner Threatens to Hurt Themselves if You Do!

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