The Relationship with Yourself

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 32

Interview with: Love Coach Dani Spikes

An essential component in your relationship

Love yourself

• The journey is self-love is on your own, and it will impact the connection in your relationships.
• Men and women both can experience problems related to self-love.
  • Women need to better themselves to become better wives just as men need to better themselves to become better husbands
• Loving yourself includes developing Self-worth and Self-value.

Some major components in self-love

• Learn to forgive yourself
• Be ok with putting yourself
• Know your own truth

Take away points

It is impossible to love anyone else if you do not know how to love yourself.

Follow the link below to find out more about Love Coach Dani Spikes and The Spiked Brunch

www.iamdanispikes.com

Don’t allow your past relationship to ruin your current relationship

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 31

Chats with Dr. Kia James and Monika Cope-Ward

There is a reason why your Ex is your Ex

In this week’s podcast we discussed how you can bring your past relationship into your current relationship.  This can happen so quickly and so easily.  Make sure you consider the consequences when you open the door to an ex.  Additionally, be aware that your current behavior may be the result of previous interactions with an ex-lover.  Review and analyze your current behavior.  If your current behavior has the potential to hold your lover responsible for the actions of an ex, it is time to change your behavior.

Ways your Ex Can Be Present and Problematic in Your Current Relationship?

• Social Media Stalking your Ex can be tempting, but this can cause major damage to your current relationship
• When there are problems in your current relationship, a friendship with your ex may be questioned.
• If there is unfinished business in your previous relationship, this can wreak havoc on your current relationship.
• Keeping the lines of communication open can be problematic to your current relationship
• Comparing your significant other to your ex is a major fail
  • Don’t compare life to death

Make sure you do not ruin your current relationship by living in the past.  Don’t hold your current significant other responsible for the behavior of an ex.  They do not deserve the consequences from someone else’s behavior.  It also does not help you create a happy healthy bond in your current relationship.

Protect Your Relationship

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 30

Chats with Monika and Kia

Affair Prevention

Don’t be the victim of an “After School Special” of relationships. You are not the exclusion to being in a relationship where an affair can occur.

What is an affair

An affair is Any external factor that comes between you and your partner. For the purpose of this podcast, the focus is on an emotional or sexual connection with another person.

Factors That Lead to an Affair

Stinking thinking is a set up for an affair. Your thought process will definitely leave a gap in your relationship for an affair to occur. There are a few mindsets that can leave your relationship especially vulnerable.

• Thinking that your vows are enough to save your relationship is not realistic. You have to regularly work on your relationship to continuously strengthen your bond.
• Putting your partner on a pedestal is a sure set up for failure. No one is perfect, and having unrealistic expectation of perfection can cause stress to your partner and your relationship. This can set your partner up to be secretive. When they are expected to be “flawless,” being able to discuss and be open about their flaws becomes more difficult.
• Believing that you could never have an affair is the ultimate set up. When you believe that you are the special human who is not vulnerable, you are more prone to allow yourself to engage in behavior that can get out of control quickly
  • Remember, just because you communicate your vows to someone does not mean that they will respect you or your vows. In fact, your “friend” may be waiting and plotting to get into a relationship with you.
• Avoiding confrontation and disagreements is a no-no. You and your partner need to have productive conversations to discuss problems in your relationship. The lack of open conversation will lead to relationship stress.

If you are in a relationship, an affair is possible. Protect your relationship today. Don’t wait for stress to attack your relationship and open the door to an affair. For more information on Affair Prevention, check out our Affair Prevention Webinar.

Criticism

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 29

Dr. Kia James

A Communication Killer

Criticism is not keeping it real, It is an attack of your partner.

• As opposed to stating that you have a concern, you attack your partner by stating that they have a character flaw.
• You tell your partner, “something is wrong with you.” as opposed to stating that you have a problem about a specific situation or event.
• The recipient of the criticism many times feels disrespected.
• Criticism shuts down communication
• Criticism many time starts with the statement you always or you never.
  • You always make a mess. You never take out the trash.
• Being critical leads to high level conflict

We all have complaints

I am not saying that you should not communicate your complaints. What I am saying is that you should not justify an attack of your partner due to you being dissatisfied with a situation.

• A complaint allows your partner to know what you like and don’t like.
• It opens the door for more communication.
• You are sharing facts about a specific event or a situation. Sticking to the facts helps.

Attack defend cycle

Being brutally honest without tact does not communicate that you are attempting to solve a problem. This type of critical communication many times puts your partner in a defensive place.  This derails the conversation and problems are not solved. 

Take responsibility for yourself and your behavior.  If you want to have effective communication, don’t begin a conversation in a way that will be unproductive.  If you need additional assistance, check out our mini-course Avoid Turning a Disagreement into an Argument.

More Resources

Don’t Miss The Couples Breakaway Cruise: Our upcoming cruise on the Norwegian Breakaway leaves from NY on September 17th - 24th. We will have a couple’s workshop, 3 DJ’s from NY, 5 Private Parties, All You Can Eat, All You Can Drink, and much, much, more.   The current price includes all gratuities, taxes, and fees. DON’T MISS THE BOAT!

Building Your Extraordinary Relationship: As relationship counselors and coaches, we have packages to help you improve your relationship. If your relationship is in need of a jump start or relationship repair, contact us and we will be glad to help with boosting your relationship.

Events Workshops and Retreats: “Improve Your Relationship & Have an Enjoyable “Couples Playdate” Retreat Style. We recognize the need for couples to continue to enhance their relationship. We host couples retreats and teach couples skills to enhance their relationship. We would love to see you at one of our upcoming events.

Thank You for Listening

Thank you for taking the time to listen to this week’s podcast.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please share it with other couples, friends, or your partner using the social media buttons on this page.

Please consider leaving an honest rating and review for the podcast on iTunes.  This helps the podcast reach more couples who want to build an extraordinary relationship

What do men want in relationships

Podcast Episode 28

Interview with Panama Jackson the Co-Founder of Very Smart Brothas (VSB)

A Male Perspective on Relationships

Panama Jackson is a relationship and pop culture blogger. On today’s episode, he shared a male perspective on relationships.

A few of the topics covered in this episode are:

• Is sex a priority for men in a relationship?
• Is understanding the mind of a male essential to have a great relationship?
• Are there things that are known as a real “turn off” for most men?
• What are common themes that men struggle with in relationships?

The Burning Question: “What do Men Want in a Relationship?”

• Men want to have Inside Jokes with their partner
• Loyalty is a desired characteristic.
• Men want to have the desire to want to come home.
• A comfortable home
• A relationship that helps him grow as a person.
• A significant other that can slow him down and capture his attention.

Concisely, men and women want similar things in a relationship. The overall goal is to have a relationship with peace and happiness. It that too much to ask?

To connect with Panama Jackson or find out more about Very Smart Brothas, you can visit their website. http://verysmartbrothas.com/

More Resources

Don’t Miss The Couples Breakaway Cruise: Our upcoming cruise on the Norwegian Breakaway leaves from NY on September 17th - 24th. We will have a couple’s workshop, 3 DJ’s from NY, 5 Private Parties, All You Can Eat, All You Can Drink, and much, much, more.   The current price includes all gratuities, taxes, and fees. DON’T MISS THE BOAT!

Building Your Extraordinary Relationship: As relationship counselors and coaches, we have packages to help you improve your relationship. If your relationship is in need of a jump start or relationship repair, contact us and we will be glad to help with boosting your relationship.

Events Workshops and Retreats: “Improve Your Relationship & Have an Enjoyable “Couples Playdate” Retreat Style. We recognize the need for couples to continue to enhance their relationship. We host couples retreats and teach couples skills to enhance their relationship. We would love to see you at one of our upcoming events.

Thank You for Listening

Thank you for taking the time to listen to this week’s podcast.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please share it with other couples, friends, or your partner using the social media buttons on this page.

Please consider leaving an honest rating and review for the podcast on iTunes.  This helps the podcast reach more couples who want to build an extraordinary relationship

Communicating with Your Significant Other

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 27

Chats with Monika

The Importance of Communication in Your Relationship

What is Communication

Communication is the art of expressing yourself.   There is the person who sends the message, and there is also the person who receives the message.  What is actually said is just as important as what is heard.  Both people have a role in this communication dance.  Make sure you take responsibility for the role that you play.

You Express yourself through many ways

Recognize that you are expressing yourself in many different ways.  Depending on how you send the message, pieces of the message may be missed.  This is especially true when you are communicating in an electronic way.  When you send a text message, you miss much of the non-verbal portion of the message.  Keep this in mind when you are having conversation.  During the podcast, we discussed the different methods of expression:

• Verbal
• Non-Verbal Communication
• Facial Expressions
• Body Language

Different Communication Style

• Aggressive Communication
• Assertive
• Passive aggressive
• Passive

Effective communication is one of the core components in a healthy relationship.  If there are glitches  in your communication, work on the small hiccups before the short gaps become massive sink holes.

An Inter-Racial Relationship

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 26

Interview with Shaundra Hudson

Diversity Series Part 3

Go to our web page for the show notes: www.RelationshipBoosters.com

Inter-Racial Relationships

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 25

Interview with Julie Hanson 

Diversity Series Part 2: Navigating the world of biracial relationships

Check out the show notes at www.relationshipboosters.com

Sexual Minorities and Relationships

Podcast Episode 24

Xanthia Johnson LPC, LCPC, ACS, RPT-S

Diversity and Relationships Series (Ep 1)

There are many potential problems and stressors that impact sexual minorities who are in intimate relationships. The term sexual minority refers to individuals who identify as the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender, Intersex Questioning, Queer, and Non-binary. During the Podcast, Xanthia shares relationship do’s and don’ts for sexual minorities.

Get the Show Notes: www.therelationshipboosters.com/episode24

Black Couple Getaways

Podcast Episode 23

Interview with Jerome (JD) Davis, Executive Director of Black Couple Getaways

Get the Show Notes For todays episode www.therelationshipboosters/episode23

Don’t Miss The Couples Breakaway Cruise: Our upcoming cruise on the Norwegian Breakaway leaves from NY on September 17th - 24th. We will have a couple’s workshop, 3 DJ’s from NY, 5 Private Parties, All You Can Eat, All You Can Drink, and much, much, more.   The current price includes all gratuities, taxes, and fees. DON’T MISS THE BOAT!

Building Your Extraordinary Relationship: As relationship counselors and coaches, we have packages to help you improve your relationship. If your relationship is in need of a jump start or relationship repair, contact us and we will be glad to help with boosting your relationship.

Events Workshops and Retreats: “Improve Your Relationship & Have an Enjoyable “Couples Playdate” Retreat Style. We recognize the need for couples to continue to enhance their relationship. We host couples retreats and teach couples skills to enhance their relationship. We would love to see you at one of our upcoming events.

The impact of trauma on your relationship

Podcast Episode 22

Laura Reagan LSCW-C Trauma Specialist

 How Emotional Pain from Childhood Can Cause Problems

Something that happened at 5 years old can affect you at age 65; therefore, it is important to recognize that things that occur in childhood can impact you as an adult.  Ultimately, childhood trauma can cause major problems in your intimate relationships.  Intimacy requires vulnerability, which can be difficult for individuals who have experienced trauma or have difficulty with trust. 

Check out the show notes. www.relationshipboosters.com

Enhancing Your Emotional Connection

Podcast Episode 21

Chats with Monika

Don’t Allow Your Relationship to Run on Auto-pilot

A common theme we hear, providing relationship counseling, is that couples feel that they have grown apart. They go through the day taking care of everyone else in the family, making sure that the kids are fed, homework is complete, and that all the tasks associated with maintaining a household are done, all while putting the relationship needs to the side. This distancing between you and your partner can negatively impact the relationship and eventually erode your emotional connection.

Get the Show Notes at www.relationshipboosters.com

The importance of Good physical health & your Relationship

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 20

Interview with Risa Ganel, Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist & Fitness Coach.

Risa has a passion to help couples strengthen themselves physically and emotionally to develop strong relationships.

GET OUR SHOW NOTES

WWW.RELATIONSHIPBOOSTERS.COM

The importance of self care or women

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 19

Interview with Alice and Judy of Just Breathe Ministries:

AVOID LOSING YOU IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Just Breathe is an organization that empowers women. They work to help women access their dreams. Many women may have dreams, goals. and desires that may be closed off due to life. The founders of this organization want women to know that they are valued.

Show Notes: www.relationshipboosters.com

Valentine’s Day When You’re In a Relationship

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 18

Host: Dr. Kia James

Making Your Valentine’s Day Meaningful

For your information, many couples struggle around Valentine’s Day.  It can be a great, but stressful time for those in relationships. 

There are 364 other days that can make or break your relationship.  If you are waiting for Valentine’s Day and other holidays to express your love, your relationship may be in trouble.  To master your relationship, you must work on your relationship regularly. 

• Happy Couples know that their partner is thinking about them regularly. John Gottman recommends to do Little Things often.

Pump your partners gas.

Prepare a surprise lunch.

If your relationship is on auto-pilot, Valentine’s day can be a gift to your relationship

• Use this day to reconnect and recommit to your relationship.

Valentine’s Day is the gift giving holiday.  Gifts can be a nice gesture, but being creating and thoughtful does not have to come from an expensive gift.

• Get an authentic and personal gift to show your partner that you are thinking about them.
• Be creative and unique

Avoid Valentine’s Day pitfalls

• Don’t fall into the trap of comparing your relationship to the relationship of someone else. That is not your relationship, and you do not know all the details.

What you see on social media does not tell the whole story of a relationship. Remember, people generally post the good times, and keep the bad times private.

• If your gift is not expensive, it does not mean that your partner loves you less.
• Let go of expectations, they can lead to disappointment.
• Have conversations about the importance or lack of importance in gift giving. If you or your partner does not believe in gift giving, this information should be known before a gift giving holiday.

If you are experiencing an emotional disconnect in your relationship, it is time to work on your relationship connection.  Today is a great day to begin your relationship. Start by learning about your partner to assist with your reconnection. 

More Resources

Building Your Extraordinary Relationship: As relationship counselors and coaches, we have packages to help you improve your relationship. If your relationship is in need of a jump start or relationship repair, contact us and we will be glad to help with boosting your relationship.

Events Workshops and Retreats: “Improve Your Relationship & Have an Enjoyable “Couples Playdate” Retreat Style. We recognize the need for couples to continue to enhance their relationship. We host couples retreats and teach couples skills to enhance their relationship. We would love to see you at one of our upcoming events.

Thank You for Listening

Thank you for taking the time to listen to this week’s podcast.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please share it with other couples, friends, or your partner using the social media buttons on this page.

Please consider leaving an honest rating and review for the podcast on iTunes.  This helps the podcast reach more couples who want to build an extraordinary relationship.

Relationships and religion

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 17

Interview with Dr. Green, Senior pastor of Bethel Ministries

A Religious Perspective on Relationships

Get the show notes for todays episode: www.relationshipboosters.com

An entrepreneurs love story

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 16

Interview with Author LR JACKSON:

Relationship Advice for Entrepreneurs and Their Lovers

As discussed last week on the podcast, there is evidence to support that entrepreneurs are not the best relationship partners. There are many entrepreneurs who are successful in their relationship or marriage; therefore, it is more than possible for an entrepreneur or executive to have relationships success.

Today’s interview will be with LR Jackson. She is an entrepreneur in the process of writing and publishing books. In addition, she works as a vice president for a company. LR Jackson shares how she makes her relationship work despite her employment.

How One Entrepreneur Has Made Her Love Story a Success.

• Both LR Jackson and her partner are secure in their relationship.
• Her partner is encouraging and supportive. He pushes LR Jackson to follow her dreams.
• She feels good about her relationship. This allows her to focus when she is at work. If she was stressed about her partner, it would distract her and prevent her from doing her best work.
• She allows her partner to be involved in some of her decision-making processes. He makes suggestions and recommendations when she requests feedback.
  • This shows her partner that his opinion is valuable and important.
• LR Jackson knows her partner is understanding when it comes to her work. He recognizes that her work can be time consuming. In addition, he realizes that she must travel and be apart from the family for her business to continue to grow.
• LR Jackson shares that frequent communication while apart helps them to stay connected. Staying in touch with each other allows them to share pictures, words, and experiences.

Best Relationship Advice: LR Jackson shared the best relationship advice she’s received has been to choose her battles wisely. There is no need to bring up every negative thing or action. You do not want to nitpick about everything. Instead, build your partner up. Acknowledge even the small things that your partner does.

She has found a great way to make deposits in her partner’s emotional bank account. She verbally expresses her appreciation for her partner. This type of communication goes a long way.

Being busy does not make it okay to neglect your partner. When you build a secure healthy relationship, your partner is better able to support you in your endeavors.

More Resources

Building Your Extraordinary Relationship: As relationship counselors and coaches, we have packages to help you improve your relationship. If your relationship is in need of a jump start or relationship repair, contact us and we will be glad to help with boosting your relationship.

Events Workshops and Retreats: “Improve Your Relationship & Have an Enjoyable “Couples Playdate” Retreat Style. We recognize the need for couples to continue to enhance their relationship. We host couples retreats and teach couples skills to enhance their relationship. We would love to see you at one of our upcoming events.

Thank You for Listening

Thank you for taking the time to listen to this week’s podcast.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please share it with other couples, friends, or your partner using the social media buttons on this page.

Please consider leaving an honest rating and review for the podcast on iTunes.  This helps the podcast reach more couples who want to build an extraordinary relationship.

Are Entrepreneurs Bad Lovers?

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 15

Chats with Monika:

Relationship Advice for Entrepreneurs and Their Lovers

There is much speculation that the divorce rate for entrepreneurs is higher than the general population. In addition, there are many reports supporting the idea that entrepreneurs are bad relationship partner’s.

Since relationships are important, take a moment to make sure you are not the next entrepreneur put in the horrible relationship partner category.

How Entrepreneurs Can Improve Their Relationship.

• Make deposits in your partner’s emotional bank account.
• Invest In your relationship
  • Go to retreats for couples
  • Read books about relationship success
  • Use counseling services to work through emotional and sexual problems.
• Respond to your partner’s phone calls.
• Make quality time a priority.
  • Eliminate distracted during “couples time.”
• Have frequent conversations about your business and personal goals.

Boundaries with In-laws

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 14

Interview with Dr. Pauline Belton:

Are your in-laws building a bridge between you and your partner?

Go to our show notes and get some tips that healthy couples use to prevent their in-laws from causing relationship problems.

www.relationshipboosters.com

Work Stress and your relationship

Relationship Boosters Podcast Episode 13

Interview with LeAndrea Banks: 

Do you allow work stress to highjack your life and your relationship?

In today’s world, it is so easy to allow stress to negatively impact your life. Ultimately, it can put a damper on your relationship if you allow it. Recognizing that work stress impacts family life is a must.  How can you prevent your work life from becoming your real-life problem?

Get the show notes at www.relationshipboosters.com