The Dr. Psych Mom Show
with clinical psychologist
Dr. Samantha Rodman Whiten Laura How Is Still My Spirit Animal, or Part 2 Of Our Thoughts on Marriage And Love!!
Dec 8, 2025
In this lively discussion, Laura How, a UK-based relationship counselor, and Dr. Samantha explore the impact of parenthood on love, highlighting how children redefine emotional capacities. They tackle the importance of small gestures in relationships and the dynamics of sharing domestic chores over time. Laura shares insights on gendered parenting and the challenges of prioritizing partners amid parenting. They also debate the necessity of relationship education and reflect on the significance of surrounding oneself with pro-marriage influences.
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Orange Peel Test Is Oversimplified
- Laura How finds the orange-peel test simplistic because context matters and personal norms shape reactions.
- Small gestures signal care for some people but can feel odd or unnecessary depending on learned self-reliance.
Encourage Small Requests As Growth Signals
- For over-functioners, asking for small favors can be a meaningful step toward vulnerability and connection.
- Notice and reward attempts to ask for help as relationship growth signals.
Partners Can Heal Childhood Wounds
- Laura argues partners can reparent each other when childhood needs went unmet, producing deep healing.
- Receiving care and developing self-care often happen together and amplify capacity to receive love.