What Is A Negative Couples Cycle?

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

Ending a relationship is rarely about one big moment—it’s usually a pattern that keeps repeating despite effort, conversations, and growing awareness. This episode explores how to tell the difference between normal relationship challenges that can be worked through and deeper sig ... Show More

This episode explores the common relationship dynamic where one partner struggles to share vulnerably, and when they finally do, they’re met with criticism, correction, or defensiveness. The hosts explain how these responses unintentionally “punish” vulnerability and reinforce sh ... Show More

This episode explores how attachment styles subtly show up on first dates and what to watch for without overanalyzing every interaction. The hosts emphasize that instead of trying to “screen perfectly,” the real work is understanding your own attachment patterns and how they infl ... Show More

We all have patterns in relationships—some helpful, some destructive. In this solo episode, Jillian breaks down the unconscious behaviors we fall into when we feel out of control—like fighting, fixing, or fleeing—and how they keep us stuck in cycles of disconnection. Whether you' ... Show More

In this episode, Jillian shares five powerful relationship boundaries you should never cross if you want your connection to last. From why saying “I need space” can cause unintended harm, to how silent treatment erodes trust, she breaks down the hidden damage these behaviors can ... Show More

Thank you Bumble for sponsoring today's video ✨ One point of clarification on our Bumble segment today: On Bumble, all new members in the US are required to verify their phone number and photo. As part of our commitment to a safer, more trusted community, photo verification will ... Show More

230: Two bff's *who have no idea what they're doing* giving you solicited advice on (mainly) dating and relationships. Drea came back for another episode & we're answering a few of your Q's this week - everything from: the difference between venting vs. gossiping, when ghosting i ... Show More

In this very fun episode, Forrest and Elizabeth discuss how to get on the same team in a relationship. They explore how conditions of worth, masking, and developmental trauma can get in the way of showing up authentically, and how falling into common relationship roles can reinfo ... Show More

Fan Favorite: This episode originally aired on November 11, 2017. Hey, lovely people! It's your girl Lisa Bilyeu, and welcome back to another powerful episode of Relationship Theory on Impact Theory, where we dig into the heart of what makes relationships tick. Today, Tom and I a ... Show More

This week's episode is for the couples and singles out there. I sit with relationship expert John from MAFS and my other special guest Big Eddy. John is known for his no-holding-back approach to relationship advice on the hit TV show Married At First Sight teaching couples, and s ... Show More

<p>Mary shares her candid thoughts on modern dating, relationships, marriage and how to approach romantic love with self-love. From the age-old debate about who should pay for the first date to the importance of embodying the qualities you seek in a partner, this episode is fille ... Show More

Today, Jillian dives into a topic that’s quietly damaging relationships everywhere: micro cheating. What counts as cheating in the digital age? Is following an ex on Instagram a red flag—or just harmless history? If you've ever questioned whether your partner's behavior is crossi ... Show More

We are honored to be joined by Mel Robbins, author of the bestselling, life-changing book The Let Them Theory. We talk to her about the theory and how you can apply it to relationships, daily stress, career goals, and family conflicts to live a more free and authentic life. We di ... Show More