When emotional growth happens at different paces in a relationship, it can create disconnection and frustration. This episode explores how partners can navigate this dynamic by cultivating curiosity, avoiding shame-based interpretations, and validating the complexity of individual growth paths. Rather than rushing to conclusions or trying to control the other, the hosts encourage compassion, open dialogue, and creative ways to reconnect.
In this episode, we cover topics such as:
Avoiding Righteousness
Pause the Binary Thinking
Asking Open-Ended Questions
Exploring Other Support Systems
Discernment and Clarity
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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
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49:37
Why Do My Partner And I Have Different Sex Drives
Explore the common relational challenge of mismatched sex drives in partnerships, emphasizing that differences in sexual desire are normal and often rooted in individual biology, life stage, or emotional dynamics. Rather than seeking a “right” or “normal” amount of sex, the hosts encourage couples to approach the topic with curiosity, vulnerability, and a willingness to understand one another’s needs. The conversation also challenges common gender-based assumptions about sex and introduces the idea of sexual pursuit and withdrawal patterns as part of a couple’s dynamic.
In this episode, we talk about topics such as:
Mismatched Sex Drives Are Normal
Sexual Pursuer vs. Sexual Withdrawer
Curiosity Over Rigidity
Sex as a Form of Regulation vs. Connection
Navigating Differences with Vulnerability and Flexibility
And more!
Give Me Discounts!
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
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51:19
What To Do When Your Partner is Still Defensive
In this episode, the hosts explore the emotional complexity of being vulnerable in relationships and not receiving the supportive response we hope for. When partners often respond in protective ways—like shutting down or snapping back—can feel frustrating and disheartening—especially when you’re trying to be vulnerable and connect. Understanding what’s happening under the surface of that defensiveness and learning how to respond can completely shift the dynamic between you and your partner. Listen to today’s show to learn how to stay grounded, break negative cycles, and build true emotional safety—even when your partner is still reactive.
In this episode of Relationship Advice, we discuss relationship topics such as:
Protective Responses
How To Avoid Being “Baited” Into Reactivity
Tools To Stay In Vulnerability/Curiosity When You Partner Shuts Down
Internal vs. External Control
Tuning Into Your Window of Tolerance
How To Build Lasting Safety In Relationships
and much more!
Give Me Discounts!
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
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46:28
How To Let People Feel Their Feelings
The concept of "letting people feel their feelings" may be confusing to some, however in this episode, Colter, Cayla and Lauren emphasize the importance of allowing others to experience emotions like anger, disappointment, or frustration without trying to fix, dismiss, or control them. Listen to unpack the internal discomfort that often drives our impulse to manage others’ emotions, which can stem from fear of being misunderstood, shame, or a lack of emotional literacy. The conversation highlights the value of emotional regulation, self-reflection, and understanding the function of emotions as keys to fostering healthier and more authentic relationships.
In the episode, we talk about topics such as:
The “Let Them” Theory
Why It’s Hard to Let People Feel
Common Emotions We Resist in Others
Role of Emotional Regulation
Practical Tools & Resources
and more!
Give Me Discounts!
Prolon - Visit ProlonLife.com/IDO to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift.
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
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47:55
How To Decide What Are Non-Negotiables In A Relationship
This episode of the Relationship Advice podcast explores the value of creating a Non-Negotiables List to establish clear boundaries and expectations in relationships. Colter, Cayla, and Lauren discuss how striking the right balance—neither too rigid nor too lenient—can lead to healthier connections in both dating and marriage. They also offer practical strategies for crafting a personalized list that promotes self-awareness, intentional decision-making, and meaningful communication.
In the episode, we talk about topics such as:
Understanding Non-Negotiables
Balancing the List
Application in Dating
Role in Marriage
Flexibility / Rigidity
and more!
Give Me Discounts!
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
Relationship Advice helps listeners uncover the stuck spots in their relationships by taking expert advice from three licensed professional counselors and boiling it down into digestible tips and tools. Colter, Cayla, and Lauren help people to see that the first step to connecting with somebody else is by connecting with you. They focus their show on understanding and navigating the cycles that couples face, how to practice individuation, and staying in an emotionally regulated state. Just them each week as they come with a jam packed agenda to help you thrive in your relationships.
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