Relationships Made Easy

I get asked two questions a lot: First, how do you get so much done every day? And second, how do you seem so happy all the time? The answer to both questions is the same: I owe it all to my morning routine. Today I’m going to take you through my easy to adopt, five-step morning routine which will only take you 15 minutes but offer you huge results!   Full blog and shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.c...

I get asked two questions a lot: First, how do you get so much done every day? And second, how do you seem so happy all the time? The answer to both questions is the same: I owe it all to my morning routine. Today I’m going to take you through my easy to adopt, five-step morning routine which will only take you 15 minutes but offer you huge results!   Full blog and shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.c...

The latest research suggests that taking the time to experience awe, whether that’s rocking out to a great song, hiking to a beautiful view or having a great belly laugh with your toddler, can help you improve your relationships, decrease your stress and negative thinking, and make you calmer and happier. Today I’m going to teach you what awe really is and my top quick and easy ways to experience...

I always say that wherever you end your current relationship is where you’ll begin the next one. So if it’s time to end your relationship, you want to do it the healthiest way possible. Today I’m sharing my seven tips for ending a relationship the right way so you can walk away better, not bitter. ____ Full blog and shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/7-tips-for-ending-a-relationship-the-healthiest...

We hear a lot about honesty in relationships but what does that really mean? Do you have to share everything? And how do you share your truth so the other person listens and doesn’t become defensive? Today I’m teaching you my top three tips for being honest so you can build trust in all your relationships. Full blog and shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-be-honest-and-build-trust-in-a-relat...

In the last three decades I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to happy, connected relationships and effective communication. Since this is the 200th episode of the podcast, I thought it would be the perfect time to recap my top 10 tools for effective communication in every relationship. Full blog and shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/my-top-10-tools-for-effective-co...

Whether you’re thinking of moving in or tying the knot, there are some things you’ve got to get clear before that big day if you want a long, successful relationship. In my almost 4 decades of working with couples, I’m amazed at how many questions aren’t asked or worked out before they move in together or get married. If you don’t deal with your problems before you make that next step, you’re goin...

We have to have them, but we don’t like them: the difficult conversation. Even if you’re someone who’s more comfortable with conflict, no one really likes to have an exchange that you believe is going to make you or the other person uncomfortable, angry or sad. Whether you’re struggling with your partner, a friend, family member or coworker, I’m here to help! Today I’m teaching you with my three-s...

Are you wondering if you’re staying in a relationship for the right reasons? Maybe you’ve been waffling back and forth wondering if this relationship is healthy. How do you know if you’re staying because it’s truly right for you or if you’re in your relationship for the wrong reasons and it’s time to move on? Today I’m going to talk about the the big mistake most people make when they’re trying to...

We’ve all been there. You’re trying to express your feelings and then your partner gets angry and defensive and says, “What about my feelings?!” Or maybe you’re trying to assert yourself with a usually bossy friend by saying you’d actually rather see a different movie tonight and she replies, “It always has to be your way!” WTF?! You end up feeling resentful, misunderstood and, worst of all, hopel...

There’s one tool that will improve all your relationships. It’s not hard to do and it creates emotional connection and trust in seconds. It’s something that marriage guru, Dr. John Gottman, calls “Bids.” But bids aren’t just great in a marriage, they’ll transform any relationship. Today I’m going to teach you what they are (your partner, kids and friends have been making bids and you don’t even re...

How do you know if you really love someone? It bugs me when people say, “You’ll just know” as if everyone experiences love so clearly with a bunch of birds flying in a circle above their head. Many people have written in asking that big question, “How do I know if I love someone?” and today I’m going to talk about what the research says, my top 3 ways to know if you’re really in love with someone...

It's easier than you think to become amazing at meditation and meditating just 15 minutes a day will change your life! Imagine feeling more content in your life and confident in your decisions. Imagine all your relationships improving as you’re able to communicate more effectively. Imagine stopping the self-doubt, regrets and guilt! Today I’m teaching you why you’re not meditating and my simpl...

What do you do if you’re embarrassed by your partner? There are four main ways you might be feeling embarrassed about something your partner did or said and today I’m going to answer a question from a listener while describing how to deal when all you want to do is wince. Full shownotes and blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-to-do-if-youre-embarrassed-by-your-partner/   ___________________________...

There are lots of different communication styles out there but, if you want to be an effective communicator in satisfying relationships, you’ve got to learn to be assertive and direct. The research has identified four main communication styles. Three of them aren’t so great but one is a healthy way to be an assertive and effective communicator. Stay tuned to find out which style you are and how to...

Everything from your sex life, to troubles with your boss at work, to your ability to trust and be open with your partner can be affected by abuse or trauma from your childhood. The good news is that the challenges you face today don’t have to be permanent! Today I’m breaking down what childhood abuse includes (you’d be amazed how many people I’ve worked with don’t even realize that what happened...

Do you feel like you’re the one putting in the lion’s share of effort in your relationship? How can you get your partner to own up and do their fair share? In today’s episode I’ll be answering one of your questions and giving my two cents (and more) about what you should do if you feel like you’re putting in 100% but your partner isn’t meeting you halfway. Full shownotes and blog: https://abbymedc...

The secret to happy, successful relationships boils down to two things: your attention and your intention. I’ve been talking about the importance of focusing your attention and setting your intention for a while now. What I haven’t done, is explain the difference and how these two concepts work together to bring happiness and success to all your relationships. Your attention activates and your int...

Whether you call it self-discipline, grit, determination or willpower, the research shows that people who learn self-control are happier, healthier and have stronger relationships. But how do you get there -- how do you have more self-discipline and self-control? Today I’m sharing a whole new way of understanding willpower and self-discipline, the secret to why you’ve failed in your efforts before...

Your partner is friends with an ex and it's bugging you! Is it OK to be jealous? Can exes really be just friends? How should you approach your partner about your unhappiness? Today I'm answering these questions and more in this #AskDrAbby episode of the podcast! Full shownotes and blog: https://abbymedcalf.com/what-to-do-if-your-partner-is-friends-with-an-ex-and-you-dont-like-it-2/ Grab my...

You’ve got some issue(s) with your partner -- some things they’re doing that are driving you crazy or maybe it’s some things they’re not doing that have gotten under your skin. But every time you try to speak to them about your relationship problems, you’re met with anger and defensiveness and it turns into a fight, so you never feel like you get any resolution! In this special Ask Dr. Abby episod...

You’re looking to save your relationship but it’s not in a great place. Where do you start? Can you even change a damaged relationship if your partner isn’t interested in doing anything? The answer is “Yes!” You can absolutely make changes, but you’ve got to approach your relationship in a new way. Today I’m sharing my 3-step process to restart your relationship plus I have a special gift just for...

I’ve gotten a lot of letters and questions from people who are in relationships that they know aren’t “good for them” whether due to addiction or something else, but they don’t know how to leave an unhealthy relationship or if they ever can or even should! In this episode of Ask Dr. Abby I’m coming at you with a whole new way to think about these types of relationships so, if you’ve been strugglin...

Being in love is awesome! And it can also be a huge pain in the ass! Nothing brings us more joy (or more pain) than our romantic partnerships but all the information out there about what to do can be so confusing! Today, I’m cutting through all the noise and bringing you the keys to a long, happy relationship, backed by research. Full shownotes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-have-a-long-and-happy...

Your relationship ended but now you’re hearing (or even seeing through your secret IG stalking account) that your ex has moved on and is happy in their new relationship! You’re outraged and doubting yourself! How can they be happy so soon (or why couldn’t they at least wait until after you’re happy in your new, better relationship)?! In this Ask Dr. Abby episode I’m answering your question about w...