

Relationships Made Easy
Dr. Abby Medcalf
The research says the key to a happy life is happy relationships. But how exactly do you make your relationships better? That’s what this show is all about. I’m Dr. Abby Medcalf, psychologist, best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and (according to my kids) the bossy Jewish mom you didn’t know you needed. With decades of experience and millions of listeners in over 180 countries, I give you the no-fluff, research-backed strategies to make all your relationships better: with your partner, your family, your friends, and (most importantly) yourself. Every week on the Relationships Made Easy podcast, I mix straight talk, humor, and science to help you communicate effectively, set healthy boundaries, and stop second-guessing yourself. Because great relationships aren’t built in a day. Great relationships are built daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 23, 2021 • 47min
169. What to Do If Your Partner is Conflict Avoidant Plus Dealing with Your Own Conflict Avoidance
At its core, conflict avoidance is people pleasing due to a deeply ingrained fear of hurting or upsetting other people if you express your true feelings. This type of codependency leads to feelings of resentment and loneliness and ultimately hurts you and your relationships. Whether you’ve got a partner who’s conflict avoidant or you’re dealing with your own conflict avoidance, today’s episode is for you! Stay tuned while I walk you through my best tips for dealing with conflict avoidance whether that’s you or someone else. Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-to-do-if-your-partner-is-conflict-avoidant-plus-dealing-with-your-own-conflict-avoidance/ Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-to-do-if-your-partner-is-conflict-avoidant-plus-dealing-with-your-own-conflict-avoidance/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-to-do-if-your-partner-is-conflict-avoidant-dealing-with-your-own-conflict-avoidance/ _______________________ Subscribe today to get my weekly thoughts, best practices and funny stories (you won’t believe my life!). This weekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 16, 2021 • 32min
168. Ask Dr. Abby: What to Do If Your Partner Doesn't Want to Get Married
What do you do if you want to get married but your partner doesn’t? Today I’m answering that very question on this Ask Dr. Abby episode so stay tuned! Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/my-partner-is-scared-of-marriage-what-to-do-if-your-partner-doesnt-want-to-get-married/ _______________________________ Subscribe today to get my weekly thoughts, best practices and funny stories (you won’t believe my life!). This weekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 9, 2021 • 45min
167. How to Stay Calm and Centered When Dealing with Family Stress and Dysfunction During the Holidays
No one can push our buttons like our family! The approaching holiday season means more time with those crazy people we love, which can equal more stress and more anxiety. But I’ve got your back! Today I’m teaching you my easy 3-step process to stay calm and centered when dealing with family stress and dysfunction during this holiday season. Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-stay-calm-and-centered-when-dealing-with-family-stress-and-dysfunction-during-the-holidays/ Get my FREE Calming Anchor: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-stay-calm-and-centered-when-dealing-with-family-stress-and-dysfunction-during-the-holidays/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-stay-calm-and-centered-when-dealing-with-family-stress-and-dysfunction-during-the-holidays-2/ ____________________________ Subscribe today to get my weekly thoughts, best practices and funny stories (you won’t believe my life!). This weekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 2021 • 47min
166. Signs that Someone is Gaslighting You and What to Do About It
Explore the ominous world of gaslighting, a manipulation tactic that can undermine your confidence and perception of reality. Discover key signs that someone may be gaslighting you in relationships, whether romantic or otherwise. Learn about the power imbalances that fuel this behavior and get practical strategies to reclaim your emotional well-being. Understand the necessity of personal transformation when faced with toxic dynamics and find out how to foster self-empowerment amid manipulation. Join in for a journey toward healthier relationships!

Oct 26, 2021 • 33min
165. Ask Dr. Abby: Unfair Relationships: What to Do When Your Relationship Doesn't Feel Fair
Do you feel like your relationship isn't fair? Maybe you feel like you're always the one doing more of the heavy lifting, making more of the plans, figuring out the money, whatever it is, well, if that's what you've been feeling lately, then today's episode is for you. Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/unfair-relationships-what-to-do-if-your-relationship-doesnt-feel-fair/ __________________________________ Subscribe today to get my weekly thoughts, best practices and funny stories (you won’t believe my life!). This weekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 19, 2021 • 51min
164. How to Overcome Guilt and Regret When Setting Boundaries
We’ve all been there. You set a healthy boundary with someone and feel good about it for about 5 minutes, and then the guilt begins to set in. You start thinking about how the other person is feeling and whether you’ve upset them. Or maybe now they’re angry and you’re regretting having said anything. If this is you and you’re ready to overcome your guilt and regret when setting boundaries, then you’re in the right place. Today you’re going to learn why you feel guilty and regretful and my 3-step process to overcome guilt and regret when setting boundaries. Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-overcome-guilt-and-regret-when-setting-boundaries/ Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit here: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-overcome-guilt-and-regret-when-setting-boundaries/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-overcome-guilt-and-regret-when-setting-boundaries-2/ ______________________________ Subscribe today to get my weekly thoughts, best practices and funny stories (you won’t believe my life!). This weekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 12, 2021 • 32min
163. How to Forgive Someone Who Hurt You in 5 Steps
In any relationship, even really good relationships, there are hurts that can build up and need to be forgiven if you want to grow your relationship into that next level of emotional closeness and connection. Today I’ll cover the problems you have when you try to forgive, why it’s good for you and my 5-step process to forgiving someone who hurt you. Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-forgive-someone-who-hurt-you-in-5-steps-2/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-forgive-someone-who-hurt-you-in-5-steps/ Sign up for my Forgiveness Master Class: https://abbymedcalf.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/6 ______________________________ Subscribe today to get my weekly thoughts, best practices and funny stories (you won’t believe my life!). This weekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 snips
Oct 5, 2021 • 24min
162. Ask Dr. Abby: What to Do If Your Partner Blames You When Things Go Wrong and Gaslights You
Ever wondered how to deal with a partner who blames you for everything? This discussion dives into the psychology of blame and offers practical tools to combat gaslighting. Discover the BRAID acronym to identify harmful behaviors, and learn the importance of acknowledging emotions in your relationships. Setting healthy boundaries is emphasized, with strategies like 'loving detachment' and the 'I feel' formula to communicate effectively. Tune in for insights on fostering healthier and happier connections!

Sep 28, 2021 • 1h 4min
161. Forgiveness is a Choice: Interview with Dr. Robert Enright
Did you know that forgiveness is a choice? In this week’s podcast episode, I interviewed Dr. Robert Enright, the man Time Magazine calls “the Forgiveness Trailblazer” and author of the book that changed my life, Forgiveness is a Choice: A Step-by-Step Process for Resolving Anger and Restoring Hope. We’re digging into Dr. Enright’s evidence-based forgiveness model, what it means to forgive, and why you would want to forgive someone in the first place. Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/forgiveness-is-a-choice-interview-with-dr-robert-enright/ Sign up for my Forgiveness Masterclass here: https://abbymedcalf.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/6 Here are some links from Dr. Enright: The International Forgiveness Institute: https://internationalforgiveness.com/ The International Forgiveness Institute offers free forgiveness measures to assess adults' forgiving others, forgiving the self, group forgiveness, and children's forgiveness of others. Check out their free forgiveness scales here: https://internationalforgiveness.com/product-category/Forgiveness-Research-Tools/ Learn more from Dr. Enright on his blog, “The Forgiving Life,” at the national magazine, Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-forgiving-life Grab Dr. Enright’s books here: Forgiveness is a Choice: A Step-by-Step Process for Resolving Anger and Restoring Hope: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Choice-Step-Step-Resolving/dp/1557987572 The Forgiving Life: A Pathway to Overcoming Resentment and Creating a Legacy of Love: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiving-Life-Overcoming-Resentment-Lifetools/dp/1433810913 More background on Dr. Enright: Dr. Robert Enright holds the Aristotelian Professorship in Forgiveness Science within the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a licensed psychologist, and co-founder of the International Forgiveness Institute, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge about forgiveness and community renewal through forgiveness. He is the unquestioned pioneer in the scientific study of forgiveness, having published the first empirically-based journal article on person-to-person forgiveness in 1989. He has been called "the forgiveness trailblazer" by Time magazine and is often introduced as "the father of forgiveness research" because of his 36-year academic commitment to researching and implementing forgiveness programs. Dr. Enright is the author or editor of seven books and over 150 publications centered on social development and the psychology of forgiveness. He pioneered Forgiveness Therapy and developed an early intervention to promote forgiveness: the 20-step “Process Model of Forgiving.” His latest endeavors include forgiveness education for students in various world communities (for example, Iran, Israel, Monrovia, Northern Ireland, and the Philippines) and Forgiveness Therapy with those in correctional institutions, those who are without homes, and those who engage in road rage behaviors. ___________________________________ Subscribe today to get my weekly thoughts, best practices and funny stories (you won’t believe my life!). This weekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 21, 2021 • 31min
160. When You Feel Angry and Don't Know Why
Sometimes it’s clear why we’re feeling angry but a lot of the time, we react angrily to something and later think, “Why did I get so mad?” or maybe you’re noticing an undercurrent of anger and resentment in your day-to-day life or that you seem to get mad way too easily. I’m going to go out on a limb and say this: If you’re noticing that you’re feeling anger, resentment and frustration on a daily basis, there’s something you need to fix. Today I’m going to teach you the 5 real reasons you’re angry so you can make some real changes. Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/when-you-feel-angry-and-dont-know-why-5-reasons-why-youre-feeling-angry/ Grab my FREE Standards and Expectations Quicksheet: https://abbymedcalf.com/when-you-feel-angry-and-dont-know-why-5-reasons-why-youre-feeling-angry/ Blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/when-you-feel-angry-and-dont-know-why-5-reasons-why-youre-feeling-angry-2/ ______________________________ Subscribe today to get my weekly thoughts, best practices and funny stories (you won’t believe my life!). This weekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com/ For more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my courses (some are free!): https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/ Say hello on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbyThriving LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving YouTube: youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AbbyMedcalfThriving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.