Libsyn Directory

ERP 528: Love as a Practice: How Virtues Help Couples Stay Connected and Aligned - An Interview with Susanne Alexander

Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Release Date: 05/12/2026

ERP 528: Love as a Practice: How Virtues Help Couples Stay Connected and Aligned - An Interview with Susanne Alexander

Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

What if the key to lasting love wasn’t just about finding the right person, but about growing the right partnership? Too often, couples step into long-term relationships without the relational tools, shared vision, or understanding of virtues that make for true unity. Instead of connection, misunderstandings and unresolved conflicts take root—leaving even the most committed couples wondering how to sustain harmony and joy in the face of life’s everyday challenges. In this episode, listeners are guided through a practical roadmap for cultivating deeper unity within their relationships....

ERP 527: How Unconscious Patterns Shape Communication and Why We Miss Each Other — An Interview with Julie Nise

Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Repeating the same old arguments with no satisfying conclusion? It’s a frustrating cycle—misunderstandings compound, resentment simmers, and the sense of connection begins to fade. Many couples find themselves stuck in patterns where efforts to communicate and show love seem to miss the mark, leaving both partners feeling unheard and unfulfilled. In this episode, listeners will uncover why these recurring disconnects happen and what can be done to break free from them. Through exploring the hidden influence of sensory preferences in communication and love, and sharing actionable techniques...

ERP 526: Why Speaking up Deepens Love, Even When It Feels like Conflict — An Interview with Tonya Lester

Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Are you tired of feeling like you have to choose between keeping the peace and being true to yourself in your relationships? Many people mistake silence for harmony, stuffing down their true feelings for fear of conflict, only to wake up one day feeling unheard, unseen, and disconnected. But what if speaking up—being honest about your needs and setting boundaries—was actually the path to deeper connection and intimacy, not the source of division? In this episode, listeners are invited to rethink what it means to be authentic in close relationships, especially when it comes to sharing hard...

ERP 525: Why ‘Right and Wrong’ Thinking Is Hurting Your Relationship—and What to Do Instead — An Interview with Anna Sterk

Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Ever found yourself stuck in an argument, desperately clinging to being “right,” only to realize it’s pushing you further from the person you love? So many of us fall into this silent trap—believing that our idea of respect, kindness, or connection is universal, only to watch as those assumptions breed tension, misunderstanding, and emotional distance in our relationships. In this episode, listeners are invited to challenge these rigid notions of right and wrong that quietly erode intimacy. By exploring the difference between complaints and vulnerable requests, unpacking the dangers of...

ERP 524: Rethinking Forgiveness: Letting Go Without Letting It Be Okay — An Interview with Dr. Margaret Cochran

Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Are you stuck in the painful loop of blame, shame, or resentment after a breakup or conflict? “Forgive and forget” sounds simple, but the reality of moving forward—especially when trust or boundaries have been violated—often feels like an impossible task. The baggage we carry from past relationships can quietly dictate our choices and limit our possibilities for genuine connection and growth. In this episode, listeners are guided through the often-misunderstood concept of forgiveness, exploring why it is a vital process for both personal growth and deeper intimacy. The conversation...

ERP 523: The Subconscious Patterns That Keep Us Stuck in Love — And How to Break the Cycle – An Interview with Riana Malia

Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Are you living a life that looks great on paper, but feels like something's missing beneath the surface? You’ve climbed the ladder, checked all the boxes, yet relationships and real fulfillment seem just out of reach. The cycle of “almost, but not quite” can leave even the most accomplished individuals wondering why old patterns keep resurfacing and why true connection remains elusive. In this episode, listeners will explore how subconscious beliefs, habitual thought patterns, and unresolved emotional baggage shape the dynamics of love and connection. Through practical approaches like...

ERP 522: Fair Isn’t 50/50: How Couples Build a Financial Partnership That Works - An Interview with Heather and Douglas Boneparth

Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Money isn’t just about numbers; it’s the silent language shaping intimacy, trust, and fairness in our closest relationships. Beneath the surface of budgets and bank accounts often lies a tangled web of beliefs, emotions, and unspoken histories that can spark misunderstanding, resentment, or even distance between partners. The challenge? Finding a way to transform financial conversations from battlegrounds into bridges of deeper connection. In this episode, listeners will discover how to unpack personal money stories, identify invisible patterns, and create a foundation for fairness that...

ERP 521: Resentment as a Mirror and What It Reveals About You and Your Relationship - An Interview With Katie Rössler

Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Resentment is the silent killer of connection—creeping in beneath the surface, quietly eroding the intimacy and trust between partners. Too often, the frustration we feel in our relationships stems not just from our partner’s actions, but from deeper unmet needs and patterns we haven’t paused to examine. When left unaddressed, this silent disconnect can blossom into the so-called “roommate syndrome,” where couples drift apart, stuck in cycles of survival mode, logistical interactions, and emotional isolation. In this episode, listeners are invited to explore how resentment actually...

ERP 520: Why We Keep Repeating the Same Relationship Patterns and How to Change Them — An Interview With Dr. Molly Burrets

Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Have you ever wondered why you keep finding yourself in the same relationship patterns, no matter how hard you try to change? It’s almost as if, despite our best intentions and awareness, we’re drawn to the familiar—even if it’s painful. The fear of uncertainty trumps the discomfort of what we know, leaving many stuck in cycles of repeated conflict, unmet needs, and unclear intentions. In this episode, listeners are guided through the origins of these repeating patterns, from early attachment experiences to later life trauma, and how they shape the template for adult relationships. The...

ERP 519: From Love to Leadership: Creating Alignment in Family Life - An Interview with April Eldemire

Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide

Love alone isn’t always enough to keep everyone under one roof feeling connected and secure. Despite the dream of harmony and the promise of new beginnings, many families find themselves struggling with uncertainty, misaligned expectations, and recurring conflicts that love simply can’t resolve. Is it possible to create a sense of “home” where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported—without sacrificing your relationship or your own well-being? In this episode, listeners will discover why building a thriving blended family isn’t just about love—it’s about creating alignment...

More Episodes

In this episode, listeners are guided through a practical roadmap for cultivating deeper unity within their relationships. Drawing on decades of experience and research, the conversation unpacks how virtues like respect, kindness, and flexibility serve as foundational elements to thriving partnerships. Listeners will hear about the stages of relational growth, learn tangible practices for resolving differences, and discover how to create a shared language and vision that brings them closer—not only to each other, but to a happier, more resilient family life.

Susanne M. Alexander is a relationship and marriage educator and coach with her company, Marriage Transformation. She is certified to offer couples assessments and coaching through Prepare-Enrich® and for individuals with the Character Foundations Assessment™. Susanne has written/co-written over 30 books, including the most recent “Growing Our Unity: 19 Vital Practices for a Thriving Relationship”.

Susanne is co-lead on Accordia Way, a project that assists couples with excellent communication and decision-making skills.

Episode Highlights

04:05 The Importance of character and virtues in relationships.

08:27 Developing and sustaining virtues: Tools, assessments, and early influences.

12:16 Virtues Project origins and the concept of unity as a relationship virtue.

15:33 Practicing unity without losing individuality.

17:54 The process of reaching unified decisions in relationships.

20:50 Navigating individualism and control dynamics in partnerships.

23:31 Balancing autonomy, collaboration, and flexibility.

27:49 The impact of unity on family, children, and community.

29:52 The 19 vital practices and applying virtues in everyday life.

35:11 Restoring connection and humor under relationship stress.

38:15 Consultation process: Detaching ego and co-creating solutions.

41:24 Symbolism in relationships and making unity a daily practice.

Your Checklist of Actions to Take

Schedule regular times to discuss important topics as a couple, allowing the conversation to flow naturally rather than treating it like a formal meeting.
Identify and openly share your individual strengths and growth areas in relational virtues such as kindness, patience, and responsibility.
Observe and assess your partner’s demonstration of key virtues in various situations to gauge character compatibility and growth potential.
Work on developing one or two virtues at a time rather than overwhelming yourselves with too many at once; focus on practical application each month.
Prioritize unity during decision-making processes by listening to each partner’s perspective and postponing decisions if mutual agreement isn't reached.
Incorporate rituals or symbols (like a decorative bowl during conversations) to facilitate ego detachment and emphasize shared goals.
Reflect as a couple on the integrity and unity of your relationship before individually committing to new community or family obligations.
Participate in couples’ groups or study circles to learn from and support each other in practicing relational virtues and building unity.