The 'Thanksgiving moment' as a relational blueprint

EPISODE SUMMARY

Mark Groves is a human connection specialist who transformed his own painful relationship patterns into wisdom he now shares with millions. In this episode, Mark opens up about the Thanksgiving dinner betrayal that shut him down at 19, the years he spent as an emotionally unavailable guy, and the breakthrough that finally let him receive love. In this episode we dig into codependency, why chemistry fades, and what it actually takes to build a relationship where you can be fully yourself.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why a failed one-night stand taught Mark more about himself than years of relationships

• The real definition of codependency and why it's not just about addiction

• How to identify your "Thanksgiving dinner moment" that shaped how you love

• Why the space between partners disappears and chemistry dies in long-term relationships

• The question that reveals if you're being codependent in the bedroom

• What "liberated love" looks like and why truth-telling is the foundation

• How Mark and his wife broke up, had a closing ceremony, and came back stronger

• Why your capacity to love equals your capacity to lose

• The three things you can do now to get on the path toward the love you want

• How parenthood changes intimacy and why the six-week clearance is misleading

• What to do when you can't stop fantasizing about past flings while in a relationship

More Dr. Emily: 

• Shop With Emily! Explore Emily’s favorite toys, pleasure accessories, bedroom essentials, and more — designed to support your pleasure and confidence. Free shipping on orders $99+ (some exclusions apply).

• Join the SmartSX Membership: Access exclusive sex coaching, live expert sessions, community building, and tools to enhance your pleasure and relationships with Dr. Emily Morse.

• Sex With Emily Guides: Explore pleasure, deepen connections, and enhance intimacy using these Sex With Emily downloadable guides.

• The only sex book you’ll ever need: Smart Sex: How to Boost Your Sex IQ and Own Your Pleasure

• Want more? Visit the Sex With Emily Website

• Let’s get social: Instagram | X | Facebook | TikTok | Threads | YouTube

• Let’s text: Sign up here

• Want me to slide into your email inbox? Sign Up Here for sex tips on the regular.

This episode is sponsored by… 

Bellesa 

"EVERYONE who signs up wins a FREE toy or gift card! https://www.bboutique.co/vibe/emilymorse-podcast"

Qualia

Magnesium, multiplied. 10 forms for total support. Go to https://qualialife.com/SEXWITHEMILY to get 50% off and save an extra 15% with the code SEXWITHEMILY.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

3:13 - How Mark Started Sharing Vulnerable Relationship Advice 

8:31 - The Thanksgiving Dinner That Changed Everything 

16:00 - Finding Your "Moment" That Shapes How You Love 

20:13 - What Is Codependency Really? 

30:04 - Signs You're in a Codependent Pattern 

33:51 - Why Couples Stop Having Sex (It's Not What You Think) 

39:17 - How Parenthood Changes Your Sex Life 

51:01 - Use Your Relationship to Become Everything 

54:53 - Listener Question: Can't Stop Thinking About Past Flings 

1:02:55 - Quickie Q&A