121. Redefining Love: Overcoming Blended Family Issues And Letting Go of Expectations For A Truly Successful Marriage | w/ Vince and Krystina Shirey

In this episode of The Intimate Marriage Podcast, Alexandra Stockwell, MD, is joined by Vince and Krystina Shirey to discuss the many blended family issues they faced when they got married and combined their families. They also talk about how they learned to let go of expectations in order to have a happier marriage. A pervasive challenge faced by couples when blending a family concerns the delicate balance between prioritizing the children's needs and wellbeing versus prioritizing one another in the marriage. Unfortunately, societal norms and unconscious biases are unhelpful when navigating all the important considerations. The truth is, in a successful marriage with children, it's not either-or and it's key to aim for a harmonious balance. It is crucial to prioritize the marriage while also maintaining a strong bond with the children, which is an inherently lifelong commitment. Whether you're in a blended family or not, how do you and your partner prioritize your marriage while also maintaining a strong bond with your children? Also in this episode: The challenges of blended families and being a blended family The importance of non-negotiable dates Why you need to start letting go of expectations How to deal with the pressure of your marriage Why sexuality is incompatible with pressure from your spouse Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, "Uncompromising Intimacy," here: https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully. www.alignedhotmarriage.com Join my email list to stay connected–it's where I share my latest insights and offer opportunities for live Q & A. https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe About Alexandra Stockwell, MD Known as "The Intimacy Doctor," Alexandra Stockwell, MD is a Relationship and Intimacy Coach and an Intimate Marriage Expert who specializes in coaching ambitious, successful couples to build beautiful, long-lasting, passionate relationships. She is the bestselling author of "Uncompromising Intimacy," host of The Intimate Marriage Podcast and creator of the Aligned & Hot Marriage program. For over two decades, she's been guiding men and women to bring pleasure and purpose into all aspects of life— from the daily grind of running a household to creating ecstatic experiences in the bedroom—all while maintaining extraordinary professional success!