Relationship Advice

Couples Values Construction for 2026⁠ Here you can find some more instruction on how to construct your values as a couple as well as the values list. ⁠HOLD ME TIGHT - Workshop Jan 31 and Feb 1, 2026⁠ Join Cayla Bozovich, LPC, EFCT for a jam packed and fun weekend of learning about how to take your relationship back to a 10 ⁠Get $100 off Spark My Relationship⁠ 14 hours of relationship content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover why one partner feels the urge to talk while the other shuts down. The hosts delve into how different nervous system thresholds affect communication in relationships. Get insights on recognizing your emotional cues and effective strategies for taking breaks during conflicts. Learn about unique dysregulation styles and the importance of safety and empathy. They share metaphors to enhance understanding and offer proactive techniques to expand your window of tolerance, fostering deeper connections.

Discover why setting couple values is vital for reconnecting and maintaining harmony in 2026. Learn how mismatched values can lead to major disconnects through engaging analogies. Get practical tips for designing a year around shared values while balancing individual needs. Colter shares his personal insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of regular recalibration to stay aligned. Don't miss the workshop opportunity to boost your relationship dynamics and make it thrive!

In this episode, Colter, Lauren, and Cayla explore why we latch onto birthdays and the New Year as chances to “start fresh,” and why traditional resolutions so often fall flat. They share personal stories about resolutions that worked and didn’t, and offer a more flexible approach rooted in values, season-of-life awareness, and gentle recalibration instead of all-or-nothing goals. You’ll hear practical ideas for setting individual and shared relationship intentions—like choosing a word for the year, doing a values audit, and imagining the “photo slideshow” you want to look back on next December. Main Talking Points: • Milestones as reset • Why resolutions fail • Values over goals • Couples intention talks • Season-of-life reality • Gentle self-compassion Give Me Discounts! Cozy Earth -  Black Friday has come early! Right now, you can stack my code “IDO” on top of their sitewide sale — giving you up to 40% off in savings. These deals won’t last, so start your holiday shopping today! Beducate - Use code relationship69 for 65% off the annual pass. Skylight - Use code “IDO” for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.  Function - 160+ Lab Tests for $365. Amazfit - Use Code “IDO” to get 10% off Spark My Relationship Course: Get $100 off our online course. Visit SparkMyRelationship.com/Unlock for our special offer just for our I Do Podcast listeners! If you love this episode (and our podcast!), would you mind giving us a review in iTunes? It would mean the world to us and we promise it only takes a minute. Many thanks in advance! – Colter, Cayla, & Lauren Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the intriguing pursuer-withdrawer dynamic that often sparks misunderstandings in relationships. Dive into how personal histories and internal stories shape perceptions of each other's behaviors during conflicts. Learn about projection in emotional situations and how to challenge these reflexive responses. Gain insights into nervous system effects and tools like curiosity to enhance communication. Practical strategies for navigating tough conversations could bring couples closer instead of driving them apart.

This discussion dives into the crucial distinction between caring for someone and caretaking, revealing how the latter can lead to resentment and dependency. The hosts share insights on enabling behaviors and emotional discomfort, offering practical scripts to support loved ones without taking control. They emphasize the importance of interdependence and healthy boundaries, exploring how reassurance can sometimes hinder growth. With relatable examples and role-plays, they provide tools for fostering genuine connection while avoiding the pitfalls of caretaking.

Affairs can happen even among committed partners, driven by complex emotional and psychological factors. The allure of secrecy and unmet needs can create a compelling escape for many. Hosts discuss how emotional connections may feel like betrayal, highlighting the impact of infidelity on trust and identity. They explore myths surrounding cheating and emphasize the importance of open communication in preventing disconnection. The episode details the healing process, addressing stages of recovery and the necessity of accountability in rebuilding trust.

Colter and Cayla share a real conflict to illustrate the art of repair in relationships. They explore their comfort levels with tough conversations and reveal their personal protective moves during disagreements. Listeners get a glimpse into their initial tense call that spiraled out of control, followed by a breakdown of how they each processed the conflict. Their journey of reconnection is highlighted as they emphasize values and negotiate compromises, showcasing how to turn misunderstandings into stronger connections.

The hosts dive into the emotional complexities of the holidays, highlighting grief, loneliness, and family expectations. They share personal stories and discuss the importance of creating new traditions to honor loss. Practical tips for setting boundaries and managing triggers are explored, alongside ways to support grieving partners. Listeners learn to prioritize self-care, embrace curiosity in relationships, and negotiate compromises during challenging times. It’s a heartfelt conversation about finding connection amidst the holiday chaos.

The hosts dive into the chaos of holiday family dynamics and the emotional triggers that often surface. They share strategies for setting flexible boundaries while navigating complex relationships. Listeners learn the importance of planning exit strategies, dodging heated topics, and leading with values. Tips include knowing your triggers, communicating your limits, and using positive conversation prompts to redirect discussions. This episode equips you to keep the peace and enjoy quality time with loved ones.