Have you ever wondered why you and your partner keep having the same argument — even when you both promise it won't happen again?

In this episode, I dive into one of the most common patterns I see in couples therapy: the repetitive relationship fight. Whether it's about the dishes, money, parenting, or communication, couples often find themselves caught in a loop that feels impossible to break. But there's a reason these cycles repeat — and understanding them is the first step to changing them.

I'll walk you through the three most common communication patterns couples get stuck in — pursue-withdraw pattern, attack-attack pattern, and withdraw-withdraw pattern— and show you how to recognize your own version. These patterns aren't signs of failure; they're simply part of the developmental process every relationship goes through as you learn to connect in deeper, more secure ways.

You'll also learn how to start identifying and naming your cycle so you and your partner can begin interrupting it together — before it turns into another fight.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why couples tend to repeat the same fights over and over
• The three main relationship patterns
• How unmet emotional needs drive recurring conflict
• Why these patterns are normal developmental tasks in relationships
• How to identify and name your specific relationship cycle
• A simple first step to pause the fight before it escalates

If you've ever thought, "We're just stuck," this episode will help you understand what's really happening beneath the surface and how to take small, meaningful steps toward connection again.

>>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

• You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here.
• Read the show notes for this episode here.

We all tell ourselves stories — about our partners, our relationships, and even about who we are. But what happens when those stories start to hurt our connection instead of helping it?

In this episode, I sit down with Lindsey Carnick to talk about something that shapes every relationship — the stories we tell ourselves.

As humans, we are meaning-making creatures. Our brains are constantly trying to connect dots, fill in blanks, and make sense of what's happening around us — especially in our closest relationships. But sometimes, the stories we tell ourselves aren't accurate, and they can quietly erode trust, intimacy, and emotional safety.

Lindsey and I explore how these stories form, how they impact our reactions, and what we can do to change them. We also talk about what it really means to slow down, respond with intention, and remember that you and your partner are on the same team.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why our brains are "meaning-making machines" and how that affects relationships
• How assumptions and quick judgments can fuel conflict
• The difference between reactions and responses — and why slowing down matters
• How to recognize your body's early warning signs of escalation
• Tools like the RLT Timeout to create space and safety during conflict
• The power of clear communication: setting your partner up for success
• Why remembering you're on the same team can transform your perspective

If you've ever found yourself overthinking, assuming, or feeling misunderstood, this conversation will help you slow down, get curious, and reconnect with what's actually true.

>>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

• You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here.
• Read the show notes for this episode here.

Being married to an entrepreneur, especially within the unique context of military life, comes with a distinct set of challenges and rewards. How do you balance supporting your partner's dream while pursuing your own? What happens when household roles need to shift, and how do you navigate the difficult conversations about finances, time, and personal identity?

In this episode "Married to an Entrepreneur? 5 Relationship Survival Hacks You Need to Know", Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky sits down with Heather Jones, a life coach for military spouse entrepreneurs, to have an honest conversation about the realities of being married to an entrepreneur. Heather shares her personal journey of transitioning from a military career and government work to becoming a stay-at-home mom and, eventually, a business owner.

Together, they explore the emotional hurdles, the internal battles with guilt and independence, and the practical strategies needed to make both the business and the relationship thrive.

>>>Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.

• You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here.
• Read the show notes for this episode here.