#13 Love Yourself and Your Relationship with Dr. Etel Leit

In this episode we dive deep with Dr. Etel Leit into love, relationships, intimacy, self-work and the patterns that keep us stuck. We explore how acceptance (not change) is the heart of love, why we keep attracting the "same partner" in different bodies, how to heal childhood wounds and nervous-system patterns (fight/flight/freeze/fawn) that block connection, and how desire evolves over time in long-term relationships. Dr. Leit also shares her own story of transformation, the 3 V's of soulmate relational alignment (Vibe, Values, Vision), and practical tools for couples and singles alike to deepen intimacy and create relationship that actually feels good. Highlights: The difference between transactional vs reciprocal love Why saying "Thank you" often matters more than "I love you" The meaning of acceptance in partner love How your partner reflects what you still need to heal Nervous-system survival responses in relationships (fight/flight/freeze/fawn) How to shift from self-blame and "monkey talk" ("he did this… she did that…") to owning your reflection The "3 V's" of relationship alignment: Vibe, Values, Vision How desire and sex evolve after kids, mid-life, and long together Tools: Eye-gazing exercise, holding space without performance, from mother-mode back to woman/sensual mode Her personal journey: from a home of chasing love, near-death experience, divorce, deep inner work, and then finding a love that felt real Advice for singles, second marriages, parents, high-achieving professionals.   Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction & welcome 2:30 – Guest background: Dr. Leit's journey into love-work 6:15 – Growing up in a home of "chasing love" and what that taught her 10:40 – What is real love vs transactional love 14:20 – How acceptance transforms relationships 18:55 – Why we keep attracting the same partner in different bodies 23:30 – Nervous-system survival responses (fight/flight/freeze/fawn) in relationships 28:10 – How long does healing take? "God is not wearing a watch." 32:00 – The 3 V's of healthy partner alignment: Vibe, Values, Vision 36:45 – Sex, desire, role play, and sustaining intimacy after kids 42:50 – Exercise: eye-gazing for 2 minutes & other non-sexual intimacy tools 46:30 – When staying in a relationship because of the kids vs choosing each other 50:10 – Final pearls of wisdom: "It's not how much you love — it's how much you allow yourself to be loved." 52:30 – Rapid-fire listener questions / audience questions 57:00 – Closing remarks & thanks Resources/Recommended Links: Dr. Etel Leit's website: dretelleit.com Follow her on Instagram: @dretelleit Book her for speaking/events: [email protected] Book: UnAddicted to You (and other books)