
Making Polyamory Work
Grounded in reality and untamed honesty, Libby Sinback tackles the hard questions about how to create and maintain authentic, loving and healthy nonmonogamous relationships.
Latest episodes

Dec 26, 2019 • 15min
The Two Magic Relationship Ratios
Libby talks about the two magic relationship ratios uncovered by scientific research conducted by the Gottman Institute and some implications for polyamorous relationships.
--------------------------------
The Magic Conflict Ratio: https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-magic-relationship-ratio-according-science/
About the 20:1 Ratio: https://psyedges.wordpress.com/2014/06/22/51-2/
--------------------------------
Find Libby on the Web: https://libbysinback.com
Sign up for coaching at http://talktolibby.com

Dec 24, 2019 • 18min
More Compassion, More Love
Holiday bullsh*t getting you down? Libby makes the case for how a little self-compassion can go a long way.
-------------------------------
Show Links
Mapping Your Love Workshop in DC: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mapping-your-love-tickets-77746210007
Winter Poly Wonderland: https://cfnc.us/winterpoly/
Poly Living: https://www.lovingmorenonprofit.org/conferences/polyliving/philadelphia/
The Gottman Institute on Contempt: https://www.gottman.com/blog/this-one-thing-is-the-biggest-predictor-of-divorce/
The Harvard Business Review on Self-Compassion: https://hbr.org/2018/09/give-yourself-a-break-the-power-of-self-compassion
About the Carleton University Study on Self-Compassion and Procrastination: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dont-delay/200903/self-forgiveness-reduces-procrastination
Kristin Neff's Website on Self-Compassion: https://self-compassion.org/
----------------------------
Find Libby on the Web: https://libbysinback.com
Sign up for coaching at http://talktolibby.com

Dec 19, 2019 • 28min
Beyond the 5 Love Languages
In this episode, Libby talks about love languages and how understanding your love language and the love languages of those that you love can transform your relationships for the better and help everyone love and appreciate each other more fully.
----------------------------
Mapping Your Love Workshop in DC: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mapping-your-love-tickets-77746210007
Winter Poly Wonderland: https://cfnc.us/winterpoly/
Poly Living: https://www.lovingmorenonprofit.org/conferences/polyliving/philadelphia/
Love Languages Graphic: https://theladiescoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/How-to-speak-your-partners-Love-Language.png
Love Languages Quiz: https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/
----------------------------
Find Libby on the Web: https://libbysinback.com
Sign up for coaching at http://talktolibby.com

Dec 17, 2019 • 30min
Compersion Isn't Mandatory
In this episode, Libby talks about compersion, what it is, where it comes from, and makes the case that we don't have to feel it to be good polyamorous people, and what to do when we don't.
----------------------
Mapping Your Love Workshop in DC: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mapping-your-love-tickets-77746210007
Winter Poly Wonderland: https://cfnc.us/winterpoly/
Poly Living: https://www.lovingmorenonprofit.org/conferences/polyliving/philadelphia/
More about the Karista Commune: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerista
Mudita: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudita
Probably Poly Episode on Jealousy: https://soundcloud.com/probably-poly/jealousy-live-at-apw
---------------------
Libby's new website: https://libbysinback.com
Sign up for coaching at http://talktolibby.com

Dec 12, 2019 • 13min
8 Sentences for Better Understanding
Sometimes you just need to complain and get something off your chest. Here's a tip on how to do that in a way that might be easier for others to hear and help make things better.
--------------------------------------
Show Links
Feedback Wheel Handout: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W0rbu1nWTYOdQNl4gvdgPWTuLBWKCjcOol_8AUoTZi0/edit
"The Story I'm Making Up": https://www.businessinsider.com/brene-browns-biggest-life-hack-is-a-simple-phrase-2015-8
Schedule a Free Coaching Session: http://talktolibby.com/

Dec 10, 2019 • 32min
Stand Up and Rock the Boat
Let's talk about why it's so important to be willing to put things on the line in your relationships, to stand up for what you want, and confront issues - before they get too big to deal with.
--------------------------
Show Links:
Brené Brown's TED Talk on Vulnerability: https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability
Daring Greatly: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1592408419
Domestic Violence Hotline and Website: https://www.thehotline.org/help/
Solvable vs. Perpetual Problems: https://www.gottman.com/blog/managing-conflict-solvable-vs-perpetual-problems/
-------------------------
If you'd like to ask a question for the show, feel free to e-mail at libby@libbysinback.com or leave a voicemail at the link below.
To book a free introductory coaching session, visit http://www.talktolibby.com

Dec 5, 2019 • 17min
The Other Half of Good Communication
Learning how to listen better is so important to being a great partner, friend, parent, child, coworker, etc. In this episode, Libby offers some advanced tips on how to be an awesome listener.
Show notes:
How Curiosity Makes You a Better Partner: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_curious_people_have_better_relationships
------------------------------------
To contact Libby, email her at libby@libbysinback.com or find her on Facebook at https://facebook.com/libbysinback.
If you'd like to set up a free coaching call, visit http://www.talktolibby.com

Dec 3, 2019 • 16min
Trying Something New
When you're trying to make a change, do something different, learn a new skill, what can help set you up for success? My answer? The right mindset can help a lot.
Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3228917-outliers
On Deliberate Practice: https://lifehacker.com/what-mozart-and-kobe-bryant-can-teach-us-about-delibera-1442488267
To sign up for a free coaching session in December: https://calendly.com/libbysinback/one-conversation

11 snips
Nov 28, 2019 • 15min
How to Not Take Responsibility for Other People's Emotions
In this episode, Libby shares concrete steps for creating a healthy emotional boundary between you and your partner, so that you don't react to, take on, or take responsibility for your partner's difficult feelings.

Nov 26, 2019 • 35min
The Other Skipped Step in Opening Up
Monogamous couples often struggle when transitioning to open relationships. The discussion highlights the importance of attachment theory in fostering trust and security. Insecurities and jealousy can lead to damaging outcomes if not addressed properly. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassionate communication to strengthen bonds. Couples are encouraged to confront their fears and prioritize emotional connection, advocating for flexibility over strict agreements for a healthier dynamic.