Join Kate and Eric MacDougall as they talk about all things Intimacy. Growth in your marriage doesn’t need to be a drag! We make growth and connection fun, and give you actionable skills to make sure the best years of your marriage are ahead of you!
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In this episode, Kate and Eric talk all about Unlearning, Healing, and Growing Through Conflict. Topics: ➡️ What Kate and Eric had to unlearn to grow together ➡️ How they handle resentment and repair after conflict ➡️ Why independence and authenticity are essential in long-term marriage SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/growth-conflic…
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In this episode, Kate & Eric answer questions about Intimacy and connection, quickfire style! Topics: ➡️ How to stay connected when you're tired or stressed ➡️ The small gestures that make you feel loved and seen ➡️ How to initiate sex and create playful energy in your relationship SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/intimacy-and-connec…
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One question leads to another as Kate and Eric take on a quickfire Q&A about the quirks, habits, and healing conversations that shaped their marriage. Here’s what they covered: ➡️ What we used to argue about that now seems silly ➡️ Habits we still find annoying in each other ➡️ What a real apology looks like ➡️ How we decide when to speak up or let…
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Healing your Core Wound, and Sharing your Gift with the World
24:43
24:43
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24:43Eric is flying solo this week. Join him as he talks about unlocking your true potential by tapping into and sharing your unique gifts. Topics: ➡️ Discovering your innate skills and how to harness them in everyday life. ➡️ Overcoming the perfection barrier to start helping others with what you already know. ➡️ The impact of integrating and sharing y…
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What To Do When You're Growing and Your Partner Isn't?
30:07
30:07
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30:07In this episode, Kate & Eric delve into managing personal growth differences within a relationship. Topics: ➡️ Navigating growth disparities between partners. ➡️ Inviting your partner into your growth journey without judgment. ➡️ Empathy's importance in understanding each partner’s struggles. ➡️ Modeling personal growth to inspire your partner. ➡️ …
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Moving beyond Roommates to Deeper EMOTIONAL Connection
27:36
27:36
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27:36In this week's episode, Kate & Eric discuss key strategies to deepen your connection with your spouse and move past the "roommate phase" Topics: ➡️ Managing conflicts in marriage through vulnerability and openness ➡️ Techniques for giving and receiving feedback in relationships without conflict. ➡️ Ideas to break daily routines and rekindle romance…
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How to Handle Conflict When You Have Completely Different Communication Styles
35:22
35:22
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35:22In this episode, Kate and Eric tackle a listener's question about managing conflict styles in a marriage. "I tend to shut down during conflict—I need time to think things through before I can respond. But my wife wants to talk things out right away and gets frustrated when I withdraw. We both end up feeling unheard and frustrated. How do we find a …
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What to Do When your Partner is Unwilling to Change
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32:00
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32:00In this week's episode, Kate & Eric explore strategies for engaging with a partner resistant to change. Topics: ➡️ Identifying traits of resistance like inflexibility, criticism, lack of empathy, and defensiveness. ➡️ Reflecting on personal contributions to relationship dynamics and initiating change from within. ➡️ Effective communication and sett…
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Balancing Unmet Needs & Unrealistic Expectations
31:38
31:38
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31:38In this episode, Kate & Eric explore how unrealistic expectations and unmet needs impact relationships. Topics: ➡️ Why unspoken needs often lead to unrealistic expectations ➡️ The difference between wants and true needs in relationships ➡️ How open communication can prevent resentment and disconnection SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blo…
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In this episode, Kate & Eric dive deep into the subtle ways we might take our relationships for granted and how we can actively work against this tendency. Topics: ➡️ Identifying and tackling complacency in our connections. ➡️ Reflecting on how our early relationships shape our current attitudes. ➡️ Practical strategies to inject vitality and appre…
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Join Kate & Eric as they dive deep into Vulnerability and how to navigate and repair relationships post-conflict. Topics: ➡️ Exploring the emotional landscape of coming back together after a fight, focusing on vulnerability when feeling defensive. ➡️ The challenge of reconnection post-conflict, examining the roles of the instigator and the receiver…
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The Missing Piece to Getting your Needs Met in your Marriage
31:18
31:18
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31:18In this episode, Kate & Eric explore how understanding, asking for, and receiving help in relationships can lead to deeper connection and growth. Topics: ➡️ Breaking free from the "fairness" myth in relationships to foster true connection. ➡️ The vulnerability required to ask for, receive, and offer help in a partnership. ➡️ Practical strategies to…
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How your Actions are Leading to Burnout and Disconnection
25:23
25:23
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25:23In this episode, Kate & Eric discuss the hidden impacts of staying busy and avoiding emotions. Topics: ➡️ The dangers of using busyness as a coping mechanism to avoid feeling emotions. ➡️ The breakdown and emotional release that occurs when suppressing feelings for too long. ➡️ Strategies for recognizing emotional signals and the importance of taki…
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In this episode, Kate & Eric discuss ways on how to make 2025 the year of connection with your partner through intentional planning and shared vision. Topics: ➡️ Dreaming together to create a shared vision for the year. ➡️ Using practical tools like calendars to prioritize connection and goals. ➡️ Strengthening intimacy with consistent small action…
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4 Challenges Couples Face During the Holidays 🎅 (and how to overcome them)
31:04
31:04
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31:04In this episode, Kate & Eric talk about navigating holiday stressors as a couple to create a meaningful and connected season. Topics: ➡️ Financial stress during the holidays and how to manage it with budgets and intentional gift-giving. ➡️ Maintaining intimacy and connection amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday planning. ➡️ Coping with grief and…
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5 Ways to Bring More Joy to your Relationship (and your Life)
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29:04
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29:04In this episode, Kate & Eric discuss transformative ways to cultivate more joy and connection in your life and relationships. Topics: ➡️ Reconnecting with your inner child to rediscover wonder and curiosity. ➡️ Prioritizing self-care and well-being to create space for joy. ➡️ Surrounding yourself with positivity to uplift your energy and mindset. ➡…
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Why a Comfortable Life is Preventing You having the Relationship You Want
30:40
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30:40In this episode, Kate & Eric explore how comfort and avoidance can hinder growth and connection in relationships, sharing their personal experiences of navigating discomfort to create deeper connections. Topics: ➡️ Aligning personal visions with shared goals in relationships. ➡️ Overcoming fear of judgment and embracing authenticity. ➡️ Using disco…
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In this episode, Kate & Eric explore how taking responsibility for your needs and collaborating with your partner creates a thriving relationship. Topics: ➡️ Understanding that meeting your relational needs starts with personal responsibility. ➡️ Balancing autonomy and togetherness to foster individuality within the relationship. ➡️ Applying Maslow…
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In this episode, Kate and Eric dive deep into the foundational and relational needs that create thriving, connected relationships. Topics: ➡️ Emotional safety and trust as the unshakable foundation of intimacy. ➡️ The power of connection, physical affection, and playfulness in relationships. ➡️ Challenging misconceptions about relational needs and …
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Why You Might Enjoy your Partner’s Suffering
30:10
30:10
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30:10In this episode, Kate & Eric reveal powerful insights on handling marital frustrations before they turn toxic. Topics: ➡️ Accepting minor annoyances as part of married life ➡️ Addressing irritations openly to prevent hidden resentment ➡️ Choosing empathy and collaboration to strengthen connection SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/why-…
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Why You Don’t Feel Like a Priority to Your Spouse
28:20
28:20
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28:20In this episode, Kate and Eric explore how self-perception influences relationships and the deep impact of feeling like you're always second best. Topics: ➡️ Unpacking Internal Narratives: How our self-stories shape our sense of priority in relationships. ➡️ Self-Sabotage Dynamics: Examining behaviors that reinforce feelings of being secondary. ➡️ …
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In this episode, Kate & Eric explore how we avoid true intimacy and the impact of pseudo-connection on our lives. Topics: ➡️ The illusion of intimacy in today’s world: why it’s easy to settle for shallow connections. ➡️ The power of vulnerability: why real conversations fuel life energy and connection. ➡️ Practical steps to deepen relationships: go…
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In this episode, Kate & Eric discuss the unhealthy communication pattern of steamrolling and its impact on relationships. Topics: ➡️ Definition and examples of steamrolling in conversations ➡️ How insecurity and conflict avoidance lead to steamrolling ➡️ Importance of clear, direct communication to prevent steamrolling EPISODE SHOWNOTES: https://ww…
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In this episode, Kate and Eric delve into the often overlooked aspect of celibacy within marriage—not as a permanent lifestyle but as a strategic choice to enhance relationship dynamics. Topics: ➡️ Discussing temporary celibacy as a tool to enhance relationships. ➡️ Exploring how abstaining from can improve communication and closeness. ➡️ Addressin…
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In this episode, Eric and Kate dive deep into the complexities of anger and how it can be both destructive and transformative in relationships. Topics: ➡️ Understanding the spectrum of anger in men and women. ➡️ How childhood experiences shape our relationship with anger. ➡️ The importance of using anger as a catalyst for healthy change. EPISODE SH…
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In this episode, Eric and Kate MacDougall explore how small, consistent actions can lead to big transformations in relationships. Topics: ➡️ The impact of small, daily actions on connection and trust. ➡️ Kate highlights how simple gestures strengthen intimacy. ➡️ Eric stresses the importance of keeping personal promises. ➡️ They explore how to adju…
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Why You Don’t Actually Need to Fix your Marriage
31:05
31:05
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31:05This episode discusses the misleading idea of a "quick fix" for marriages and emphasizes the importance of commitment, growth, and realistic expectations in relationships. Topics: ➡️ The myth of the "quick fix" in marriages and how it's marketed. ➡️ The importance of honest, direct communication in coaching and relationships. ➡️ Commitment to growt…
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The Best Thing You can Do to Build Trust in your Marriage
25:35
25:35
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25:35In this episode, Eric and Kate MacDougall explore the transformative power of saying "no" in relationships to build trust and establish boundaries. Topics: ➡️ Importance of saying "no" for trust and integrity. ➡️ Risks of always saying "yes" in relationships. ➡️ Strategies for clear and compassionate boundary communication. FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT:…
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This Simple Shift will Upgrade your Relationship
25:22
25:22
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25:22In this episode, Kate and Eric explore how shifting from victim to growth mindset can transform relationships. Topics: ➡️ Shifting from life happening to you, to life happening for you ➡️ Using discomfort as a tool for growth ➡️ Understanding emotions and criticism instead of judging them SHOWNOTES: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/blog/this-simple-…
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How Disappointment Can Bring You Closer Together
22:56
22:56
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22:56In this episode, Kate & Eric take a deep dive into understanding and managing disappointment in relationships. Topics: ➡️ Understanding the nature of disappointment and how it affects us. ➡️ The impact of unmet expectations and fantasies on our relationships. ➡️ Strategies to manage disappointment and foster healthier relationships. Shownotes: http…
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Is your Partner having Out of Obligation?
38:12
38:12
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38:12In this episode, Kate & Eric explore the complexities of sexual desire and connection in long-term relationships. Topics: ➡️ The complexity and individuality of women's sexual desire ➡️ Distinguishing between openness and initiation in sexual relationships ➡️ The importance of trust and communication CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT 📱Book…
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How to Help your Spouse be a Better Parent
40:09
40:09
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40:09In this episode, Kate & Eric discuss how to navigate tough conversations in relationships, focusing on parenting disagreements. Topics: ➡️ Addressing disagreements on parenting styles without shaming your partner. ➡️ Utilizing a framework for challenging conversations that emphasizes understanding. ➡️ Supporting each other in moments of frustration…
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Why you’re a People Pleaser & how it might not be your fault
31:14
31:14
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31:14In this episode, Kate & Eric dive into understanding and managing people-pleasing tendencies in relationships. Topics: ➡️ The origins and emotional roots of people-pleasing, including societal influences. ➡️ Understanding and managing the fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and fix responses. ➡️ The importance of setting boundaries and holding space for g…
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Understanding What Creates Disconnection in your Marriage
29:40
29:40
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29:40In this episode, Kate & Eric dive deep into understanding the Window of Tolerance and how it affects our relationships. Topics: ➡️Different tolerance levels in various situations ➡️Communicating tolerance levels to support each other better and grow together. ➡️ Emphasizing empathy and mutual support in relationships. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL EPISOD…
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Overcoming Resentment in your Relationship
31:02
31:02
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31:02In this episode, Eric and Kate MacDougall explore the nature of resentment in relationships and how to tackle it head-on. Topics: ➡️ Understanding resentment as a result of unmet expectations. ➡️ The importance of grieving and forgiving past mistakes. ➡️ Expressing needs and expectations through courageous communication. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL EPI…
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How to Support your Partner with Tough Decisions
24:32
24:32
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24:32Eric and Kate discuss the best ways to support your partner when they're faced with difficult decisions. Topics: ➡️ Understanding the natural "fix it" mentality in men and its impact on relationship dynamics. ➡️ The importance of collaborative decision-making and aligning choices with personal values. ➡️ Building empowerment and self-trust through …
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The ONLY Way to Get Unstuck in your Marriage
28:13
28:13
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28:13In this episode, Eric and Kate MacDougall explore the concept of the "two choice dilemma" and its impact on personal and marital decision-making. Topics: ➡️ Understanding the "two choice dilemma" and its role in forcing difficult choices. ➡️ Real-life analogies illustrating common dilemmas in work and relationships. ➡️ Strategies for overcoming fea…
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How to Get More of What You Want and Need in your Marriage
31:24
31:24
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31:24Kate & Eric explore effective ways to advocate for personal needs and improve communication in relationships. Topics: ➡️ Expressing Personal Needs: Learn the importance of clearly communicating your desires in relationships. ➡️ Deeper Desires Behind Wants: Discover the underlying emotional needs behind your expressed wants. ➡️ Strategies for Fulfil…
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How to Strengthen Emotional Intimacy with your Partner
31:27
31:27
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31:27In this episode, Kate and Eric MacDougall explore the profound impact of emotional granularity on relationships. Topics: ➡️ The importance of a broad emotional vocabulary. ➡️ How mindfulness and embodiment deepen emotional understanding. ➡️ The benefits of expressing diverse emotions in relationships. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT 📱Boo…
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Eric and Kate MacDougall explore the dynamics of sexual desire and intimacy in this insightful episode. Topics: ➡️ 'Brakes and Accelerators' Explained: Discussing the factors that influence sexual desire. ➡️ Impact of Personal History: How background and daily stresses shape sexual dynamics. ➡️ Enhancing Communication: Strategies for improving inti…
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In this week's episode, Kate & Eric explore the depths of sexual desires and communication. Topics: ➡️ Normalizing Talk: Reducing stigma around discussing sexual desires openly. ➡️ Self-Reflection on : Understanding what motivates personal sexual desires. ➡️ Communication Barriers: Overcoming societal pressures and personal fears in discussing . CL…
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In this episode, Kate & Eric talk about the realm of sexual energy, creative expression, and the power of connecting with life force. Topics: ➡️ How creativity and nature help balance our energy. ➡️ Fun ways to express ourselves and feel free. ➡️ Healthy tips for feeling good and energized. CLICK HERE FOR THE EPISODE TRANSCRIPT 📱Book Your Breakthro…
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What Does Your Wife Mean When She Needs Space
27:49
27:49
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27:49In this episode, Kate & Eric discuss the importance of personal space in relationships, how to support each other during these times, and effective communication to maintain a strong connection. Topics: ➡️ Understanding why someone might need space and how it feels. ➡️ Tips for supporting your partner without overwhelming them. ➡️ Ideas for staying…
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In this episode, Kate & Eric dive deep in to the contrast between spontaneous and responsive sexual desire and its impact on relationships. Topics: ➡️ Spontaneous vs. responsive desire ➡️ The effect of initiation on intimacy ➡️ Adapting to your partner's desire type CLICK HERE FOR THE EPISODE TRANSCRIPT 📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan https://www.evol…
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In this episode, Kate & Eric explore vulnerability in relationships and its crucial role following conflicts. Topics: ➡️ Understanding self-validated vs. other-validated intimacy. ➡️ The role of attunement in healing post-conflict. ➡️ Approaches to being vulnerably honest after disagreements. ➡️ Personal growth through navigating conflict and vulne…
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A Guide to Better Financial Conversations Between Partner
28:54
28:54
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28:54In this episode, Kate & Eric discuss how to have better financial conversations between partners. Topics: ➡️ How to talk openly about money. ➡️ The difference between budgeting and tracking expenses. ➡️ Managing financial stress through communication. CLICK HERE FOR THE EPISODE TRANSCRIPT 📱Book Your Breakthrough Plan https://www.evolvedmarriage.com…
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Kate & Eric take a deep dive into improving communication and empathy in relationships. Topics: ➡️ Understanding your partner's deeper needs beyond everyday complaints. ➡️ Looking beneath the surface to find the real issues affecting your relationship. ➡️ How societal expectations shape our roles and interactions in relationships. ➡️ Practical advi…
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This episode examines the impact of digital distractions on intimacy, urging a rediscovery of genuine connection in relationships. We chat about: ➡️The journey to reconnect with long-term partners ➡️Strategies to cultivate deeper connections ➡️Benefits of facing the discomfort that comes with reducing screen time, leading to personal growth and imp…
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Overcoming Stress and Anger in your Marriage
26:06
26:06
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26:06In this episode, we explore effective ways for partners to support each other through stress and anger, emphasizing empathy, communication, and self-care. Topics: ➡️ How to empathetically understand and respond to a partner's stress and anger without internalizing their emotions. ➡️ Strategies for communicating effectively during stressful moments …
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Nurturing Intimacy Without Pressuring your Partner
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29:30
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29:30In this episode of the Evolved Marriage Podcast, Kate and Eric discuss strategies in maintaining a strong and intimate connection. Topics: ➡️ The Importance of Boundaries in Relationships ➡️ Starting Conversations about Intimacy and Pleasure ➡️ Building Emotional Safety and Trust CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT 📱Book Your Breakthrough Pl…
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