2871: Softened Start-Up: Gottman’s Way to Gentle Beginnings by Dr. Kathy McMahon of Couples Therapy Inc on Constructive Communication
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Release Date: 01/17/2026
![2892: [Part 2] How Goals and Intentions Help With Grief by Reid Peterson of Grief Refuge on Purpose After Loss show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/197759720?height=50&width=50)
2892: [Part 2] How Goals and Intentions Help With Grief by Reid Peterson of Grief Refuge on Purpose After Loss
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2892: Reid Peterson explores how setting gentle goals and flexible intentions can provide structure and emotional relief during the grieving process. By focusing on life-affirming goals and moment-to-moment intentions, grievers can create space for healing without pressure or judgment. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Listing out 5 life focused goals will help sustain some balance in your grieving process." "It’s easy...
info_outline![2891: [Part 1] How Goals and Intentions Help With Grief by Reid Peterson of Grief Refuge on Purpose After Loss show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/197759610?height=50&width=50)
2891: [Part 1] How Goals and Intentions Help With Grief by Reid Peterson of Grief Refuge on Purpose After Loss
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2891: Reid Peterson offers a compassionate take on why traditional SMART goals often fall short during the grieving process. Instead of pushing for progress, he encourages a more intuitive approach, like creating a personal sanctuary, to allow emotions to be safely processed without pressure or timelines. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Most people impacted by grief say that Smart goals don’t work so well. They feel...
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2890: Love Vs. Attachment by Tonya Lester on Healthy Relationships
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2890: Tonya Lester challenges the common misconception that intense emotional entanglement equals love, revealing how unhealthy attachments and trauma bonds can masquerade as romantic connection. She outlines clear signs of emotional maturity versus toxic cycles, encouraging listeners to choose relationships that support well-being over those rooted in fear and dysfunction. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Unhealthy...
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2889: 3 Things People Don’t Get About Me as an Introvert by Janet Anthony with Introvert Dear on Personality Differences
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2889: Janet Anthony unpacks three common misconceptions that introverts often face: being mislabeled as shy, seen as antisocial, or assumed to dislike talking. Her reflections challenge stereotypes and invite extroverts to better understand the nuanced inner world of introversion, where solitude, depth, and meaningful conversations thrive. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Shyness is the fear of negative judgment,...
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2888: Slow Down Your Life Through the Magic of First Moments by Jay and Heather Harrington of Life and Whim on Mindful Living
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2888: Jay and Heather Harrington reveal how embracing novelty and creating “first moments” can help slow the perceived passage of time and make life feel fuller. Drawing on neuroscience and personal stories, they show that by intentionally breaking routines and seeking new experiences, we can deepen our memories and enrich our everyday lives. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: “There’s no reason that the majority of...
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2887: Can Our Children's View of the Bully Be Tied to Their Future Success? By Allison Carmen on Resilience
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2887: Allison Carmen reflects on how early experiences with bullies can shape a child’s self-perception and future confidence, revealing that true strength lies in compassion, not control. By teaching children to recognize the fear behind cruelty, they can reclaim their inner power, avoid intimidation, and build a foundation for lasting success grounded in empathy and self-assurance. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder:...
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2886: 5 Surefire Ways to Stop Losing it With Your Kids by Adina Soclof of Parenting Simply on Calm Parenting
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2886: Adina Soclof offers a compassionate and practical guide for parents struggling with anger and frustration. By learning new communication strategies, recognizing emotional triggers, and using mindful self-talk, parents can strengthen their relationships with their children and reduce guilt-driven blowups. Her tools empower families to build emotional awareness, resilience, and healthier daily dynamics. Read along with the original article(s) here: ...
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2885: Video Games Aren't To Blame by Jenny Lee of Hello Brio on Modern Parenting
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2885: Jenny Lee reflects on the first real parenting break in years, as her kids finally entertain themselves, thanks to Minecraft and a finished basement. In this honest and humorous piece, she explores the balance between tech-fueled quiet and human connection, reminding us that even in the digital age, what kids truly crave is time with us. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Toddlers’ life energy comes to a peak and...
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2884: What Are Healthy Relationship Boundaries? by Dr. Diana Kirschner of Love In 90 Days on Mutual Respect
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2884: Dr. Diana Kirschner offers a compassionate and practical guide to establishing healthy boundaries that strengthen relationships and preserve individuality. By learning to say no, claim personal space, and communicate needs with love, you'll reduce conflict, avoid co-dependence, and create deeper intimacy and mutual respect. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "You don’t need to go on and on justifying why you are...
info_outline![2883: [Part 2] How I Finally Let Go Of My Ex – The Last Step by Eddie Corbano of Love's A Game on Moving Forward show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/197557900?height=50&width=50)
2883: [Part 2] How I Finally Let Go Of My Ex – The Last Step by Eddie Corbano of Love's A Game on Moving Forward
Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: . Episode 2883: Eddie Corbano shares the powerful final chapter of his breakup recovery, a bold decision to attend his ex’s wedding as a way to test his emotional freedom. His story illustrates the true meaning of letting go, offering insight into how reclaiming your power and facing your fears can mark the beginning of genuine healing and freedom from past attachments. Read along with the original article(s) here: Quotes to ponder: "Whether it's time or not...
info_outlineDiscover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.
Episode 2871:
Dr. Kathy McMahon explains how the way a conversation begins can make or break connection in a relationship. By using Gottman’s Soft Start-Up, a gentle, respectful approach centered on “I” statements and emotional safety, couples can transform conflict into collaboration and deepen intimacy through empathy and trust.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.couplestherapyinc.com/softened-start-up-gottmans-way-to-gentle-beginnings/
Quotes to ponder:
"Lead with kindness and respect. This significantly reduces the likelihood of these toxic behaviors."
"By practicing Soft Start-Up, the couple learns to see each other as allies rather than adversaries."
"You are letting your partner know you aren't picking a fight, just asking for behavior change."