Relationship Advice

Most people have experienced moments of withdrawal or disconnection in relationships, especially during conflict. For some, these patterns can create misunderstandings and distance. No matter your role in the dynamic—whether pursuer or withdrawer—we can all benefit from deeper connection and greater emotional safety. Listen to today's show to learn how to support your withdrawer partner, foster secure attachment, and strengthen your bond. Cayla, Colter, and Lauren discuss topics such as: Understanding Withdrawers Key Challenges for Withdrawers Common Patterns in the Relationship Practical Strategies for Loving Withdrawers Balancing Needs in the Relationship Shifting Toward Secure Attachment And more! Give Me Discounts! Audible - Visit audible.com/janeaustin to get listen to this incredible reading rendition of Pride & Prejudice Skylight - Visit skylightcal.com/IDO for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.  Function - 160+ Lab Tests for $365. Learn more & get started at www.functionhealth.com/IDO Amazfit - Visit www.amazfit.com/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

This episode from Relationship Advice, hosts Colter, Lauren, and Cayla lean into the dynamics of pursuer-withdrawer relationships, focusing on how to understand and support pursuers effectively. As part of a broader series on relational dynamics, this episode emphasizes recognizing attachment needs, addressing raw spots, and providing proactive care to build healthier, more connected relationships. The hosts share personal anecdotes, psychological insights, and actionable strategies to help listeners navigate these dynamics. Key Discussion Points Who are the pursuers in a relationship and what drives their behavior? Pursuers are described as individuals who, during moments of disconnection or conflict, attempt to restore the relationship by seeking engagement. However, their strategies—such as high-energy behaviors, demands, or criticisms—often come across as overwhelming to their partner. Pursuers act out of fear—fear of being abandoned, ignored, or dismissed. Kayla highlights that beneath the demands and criticisms is often a deep sense of insecurity and fear of losing the relationship. Give Me Discounts! Audible - Visit audible.com/janeaustin to get listen to this incredible reading rendition of Pride & Prejudice Skylight - Visit skylightcal.com/IDO for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.  Function - 160+ Lab Tests for $365. Learn more & get started at www.functionhealth.com/IDO Amazfit - Visit www.amazfit.com/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

In this engaging discussion, Rachel Shepard Ohta, a certified sleep consultant and founder of Hey Sleepy Baby, reveals how having a baby can reshape a couple’s dynamics. She candidly shares her journey of feeling disconnected after her second child, addressing common issues like sleep deprivation and shifting roles. Rachel emphasizes the importance of adjusting expectations, managing temperament differences, and keeping communication open. She offers practical strategies for maintaining intimacy while navigating the ups and downs of parenthood.

Fear of rejection is one of the biggest hurdles in dating, often holding people back from putting themselves out there or forming deeper connections. In this episode, we unpack where this fear comes from, how it ties into past experiences and self-worth, and why rejection is not as personal as it feels. We also share practical ways to shift your perspective, build resilience, and approach dating with more openness and confidence. They talk about topics such as:  - Roots of rejection fear (childhood, past relationships) - Rejection ≠ personal worth - How fear leads to avoidance or self-sabotage - Reframing rejection as redirection - Building confidence & resilience - and more! Give Me Discounts! Skylight - Visit skylightcal.com/IDO for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.  Function - 160+ Lab Tests for $365 to anyone who signs up between July 7th and July 11th. Learn more & get started at www.functionhealth.com/IDO Prolon - Visit ProlonLife.com/IDO to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. PXG - Visit PXGApparel.com/IDO or use promo code: PODAPP-IDO to save 10% off your Spring/Summer 2025 Collection order. Amazfit - Visit www.amazfit.com/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

This episode unpacks the fear of intimacy—why closeness can feel good yet terrifying at the same time. Colter, Cayla, and Lauren explore how fear of intimacy shows up in subtle and obvious ways, from ghosting and over-picking flaws to struggling with vulnerability in relationships. They also highlight how childhood experiences, trauma, and personal wiring shape this fear, and offer hope that with curiosity, compassion, and therapy, people can learn to build deeper connections. They talk about topics such as:  - Vulnerability vs. dumping  - Signs of fear  - Roots of fear - Negotiation & sacrifice  - Dating dynamics - And more! Give Me Discounts! Skylight - Visit skylightcal.com/IDO for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.  Function - 160+ Lab Tests for $365 to anyone who signs up between July 7th and July 11th. Learn more & get started at www.functionhealth.com/IDO Prolon - Visit ProlonLife.com/IDO to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. PXG - Visit PXGApparel.com/IDO or use promo code: PODAPP-IDO to save 10% off your Spring/Summer 2025 Collection order. Amazfit - Visit www.amazfit.com/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

This episode dives into the often-overlooked complexities of friendship conflict and breakups, highlighting that friendships can be just as emotionally significant—and challenging—as romantic relationships. The hosts discuss common causes of tension, from mismatched expectations and life transitions to breaches of trust, unmet needs, and changes in values. They share strategies for addressing disconnection with curiosity and honesty, while also giving permission to let certain friendships fade when they no longer align. Colter, Cayla, and Lauren talk about topics such as:  - Friendships as attachments - Common reasons for tension - Friendship pursuer/withdrawer dynamics - Healthy repair - And more! Give Me Discounts! Skylight - Visit skylightcal.com/IDO for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.  Function - 160+ Lab Tests for $365 to anyone who signs up between July 7th and July 11th. Learn more & get started at www.functionhealth.com/IDO Prolon - Visit ProlonLife.com/IDO to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. PXG - Visit PXGApparel.com/IDO or use promo code: PODAPP-IDO to save 10% off your Spring/Summer 2025 Collection order. Amazfit - Visit www.amazfit.com/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

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Anderson returns to explore how sensory processing patterns impact physical and sexual intimacy. The hosts use a creative "readiness for sex" scale to frame how sensory input—like lighting, texture, sound, and smell—can act as either accelerators or brakes for sexual connection. By understanding your own and your partner’s sensory profile, couples can communicate better, reduce misunderstandings, and intentionally create more satisfying intimate experiences. Colter, Lauren and Sarah talk about: The Eight Senses & Sexual Intimacy Brakes vs. Accelerators Sensory Preferences are Individualized Practical Tools & Ideas Communication is Central And More! Give Me Discounts! Skylight - Visit skylightcal.com/IDO for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.  Function - 160+ Lab Tests for $365 to anyone who signs up between July 7th and July 11th. Learn more & get started at www.functionhealth.com/IDO Prolon - Visit ProlonLife.com/IDO to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. PXG - Visit PXGApparel.com/IDO or use promo code: PODAPP-IDO to save 10% off your Spring/Summer 2025 Collection order. Amazfit - Visit www.amazfit.com/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

Dr. Sarah Anderson, a mental health occupational therapist, dives into the fascinating world of sensory profiles and their effects on relationships. She discusses the eight sensory systems, including the often-overlooked interoception and proprioception. Discover how these sensory dynamics influence communication and compassion between partners. Tips for navigating differing sensory needs and combating common conflicts provide actionable insights for couples. By learning to understand each other's sensory patterns, listeners can foster deeper connections and reduce emotional misunderstandings.

Discover how to effectively support loved ones through tough times! The hosts share insights on recognizing signs of struggle and managing emotional responses. They emphasize the importance of curiosity and validation in communication. Learn strategies for navigating sensitive conversations and setting healthy boundaries. The discussion highlights the balance between supporting others and practicing self-care to maintain strong relationships. Tune in for relatable anecdotes and practical advice to build deeper connections.

Discover how to tackle tough discussions in relationships with grace. Timing is crucial, as the hosts emphasize when and how to approach sensitive topics. They share the HALT acronym to help gauge emotional readiness and suggest not bringing things up when you're upset. Strategies like priming for conversation and understanding the environment can strengthen connection. From dating dynamics to establishing trust, they offer insights on navigating these challenges effectively.