Reimagining Love with Dr. Alexandra Solomon

[CW: this episode contains mentions of suicidal ideation.] Intentional boundaries and thoughtful agreements help us ensure that our intimate partnerships are vehicles for growth, mutual support, and healing, especially for individuals and couples who are looking to create relationship agreements beyond monogamy to deepen their understanding of relationship dynamics. Today Dr. Alexandra is joined by Jessica Fern and David Cooley. They are life partners, coparents, and coauthors of the new book Polywise: A Deeper Dive Into Navigating Open Relationships. In this rich and challenging episode, you will learn about loving with greater care and awareness, whether you are someone who practices monogamy or ethical nonmonogamy.Polywise: A Deeper Dive Into Navigating Open Relationships by Jessica Fern and David Cooley:https://bookshop.org/p/books/polywise-a-deeper-dive-into-navigating-open-relationships-david-cooley/18957274?ean=9781990869143Pre-order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every Day, and register to receive free gifts after you order:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/loveeverydaybook/Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/subscribe/Submit a Listener Question:https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Blending families is messy. There are no hard and fast rules. Today's solo episode is devoted to one listener's question about dating and motherhood. The question's theme of intentionality, about modeling relationships with the kids and her healing journey is far from an isolated experience. There will be nuggets in this episode to savor and work with for separate conversations between the ex, the boyfriend, and the kids.Pre-order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every Day, and register to receive free gifts after you order:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/loveeverydaybook/Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/subscribe/Submit a Listener Question:https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this podcast, Dr. Alexandra Solomon explores the fears and beliefs behind the phrase 'if they wanted to, they would' in relationships. She discusses the complexity of romantic relationships, the importance of relational reciprocity and courageous conversations, and the need for practicing self-awareness in expressing unmet needs. The podcast also delves into the concept of hermeneutic labor and the complexities of give and take in relationships.

We generally assume that long-term partners sleep in the same bed together. But for some couples, sleep issues or other concerns make it hard for two people to get a good night's rest. "Sleep divorces" are more common than you might think, but the stigma about them remains. In this episode, Dr. Alexandra shares tips for how to discuss sleeping arrangements with your partner.Pre-order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every Day, and register to receive free gifts after you order:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/loveeverydaybook/Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/subscribe/Submit a Listener Question:https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274The Extraordinary Importance of Sleep (P&T, December 2018) Susan WorleyMarital quality and the marital bed: Examining the covariation between relationship quality and sleep (NIH)Wendy M. Troxel, Ph.D., Theodore F. Robles, Ph.D., Martica Hall, Ph.D., and Daniel J. BuysseThe Bizarre Social History of Beds What We Did in Bed: A Horizontal History by Brian Fagan and Nadia DurraniIs sleeping in separate beds bad for your relationship? A sleep scientist answers (TED’s “How to Be a Better Human” series) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gina Gutierrez, co-founder of the audio platform Dipsea, joins Dr. Alexandra for a conversation about sexuality, imagination, and empowerment. They discuss how audio erotica can help people— particularly women—reconnect with their pleasure and create a safe space for exploration with storytelling.Pre-order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every Day, and register to receive free gifts after you order:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/loveeverydaybook/Use code LOVEPOD for a free month of Dipsea Audio Stories:https://www.dipseastories.com/LOVEPODWatch Gina's TED talk:https://www.ted.com/talks/gina_gutierrez_the_relationship_between_sex_and_imagination?language=enSubscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/subscribe/Submit a Listener Question:https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Life transitions are inevitable. For couples and families, these chapters offer unique challenges and opportunities. This fall, Dr. Alexandra and her husband, Todd, are experiencing a major change of their own, as they launch their youngest off to college and become "empty-nesters." They sat down together in the studio for a candid conversation about what this time is bringing up for them and how they plan to process and celebrate the beginning of this new chapter together.Pre-order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every Day, and register to receive free gifts after you order:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/loveeverydaybook/Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/subscribe/Submit a Listener Question:https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This podcast explores the complexities of the phrase 'I love you, but I'm not in love with you' in intimate relationships. It delves into the interplay between thoughts and emotions, the influence of romanticized myths on our beliefs about love, and the importance of understanding desire. It also discusses navigating love after trauma, the mystery and nuances of love expression, and the challenges of doubts in a relationship.

Working to improve your relationship is hard enough, and when your partner is resistant to the idea of reflecting together, it can feel like you're doomed. In this re-release of a foundational episode, Dr. Alexandra explores this common conundrum and shares reminders for the enthusiastic partner who is ready to dive into Relational Self-Awareness work, as well as for the partner who may be feeling more reluctant for a number of reasons.A note: The podcast will be taking a break for the next two weeks and will return on August 22nd with another re-release episode!Pre-order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every Day: 365 Relational Self-Awareness Practices To Help Your Relationship Heal, Grow, and Thrive:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/loveeverydaybook/Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/subscribe/Submit a Listener Question:https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lane Moore, the Author of "You Will Find Your People," joins Dr. Alexandra for a discussion about the joys and heartbreaks of friendship. Lane shares her impetus to write this thoughtful book, and the two discuss why some people might struggle more with friendship due to their upbringing or past experiences, and how they can create a community of people they love as adults.You Will Find Your People: How to Make Meaningful Friendships As an Adult by Lane Moore:https://bookshop.org/p/books/you-will-find-your-people-how-to-make-meaningful-friendships-as-an-adult-lane-moore/18699308?ean=9781419762567Pre-order Dr. Alexandra's new book, Love Every Day: 365 Relational Self-Awareness Practices To Help Your Relationship Heal, Grow, and Thrive:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/loveeverydaybook/Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/subscribe/Submit a Listener Question:https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When a relationship comes to a close, how do we decide for ourselves what kind of connection, if any, should remain between us and our former partner? In this episode, Dr. Alexandra explores the topic of friendship with exes and shares some helpful musings and questions for anyone who is hoping to gain clarity about what might serve them and their former partner best in this new uncharted chapter.Pre-order Dr. Alexandra's brand-new book, Love Every Day: 365 Relational Self-Awareness Practices To Help Your Relationship Heal, Grow, and Thrive:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/loveeverydaybook/Subscribe to Dr. Alexandra’s Newsletter:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/subscribe/Submit a Listener Question:https://form.jotform.com/212295995939274Take Dr. Alexandra's "Relationship Superpower" Quiz:https://dralexandrasolomon.com/rsa-quiz/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.