A negative couples cycle is a recurring pattern of interaction in which partners react to each other’s protective moves, escalating conflict rather than addressing the underlying emotions. Colter, Cayla, and Lauren illustrate how miscommunication and emotional defenses—such as criticism, defensiveness, or withdrawal—reinforce each other in a self-perpetuatin ... Show More
Jan 2024
Episode 261: Breaking Negative Cycles In Relationships
<p>A negative cycle starts when one partner in a relationship feels hurt and then says something critical. Then, the other partner feels hurt and responds in kind. This repeats over and over, and the hurt feelings escalate. In the last episode, we talked about why these cycles ha ... Show More
32m 3s
Apr 2025
You Know They’re Wrong for You… So Why Can’t You Let Them Go?
<p>Are you stuck in a cycle of tolerating disrespect or avoiding tough conversations? </p><br><p>In this episode of <em>Love Life</em>, Matthew, Audrey, and Stephen dive into why so many of us stay in challenging relationships—whether romantic, familial, or platonic—for far ... Show More
1h 5m