290. What to Do When Your Partner Won't Do the Work

When you’re the only one invested in improving your marriage, it’s easy to feel lonely, frustrated, and discouraged. In this episode of The Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell responds to a listener’s heartfelt question about what happens when one partner is eager to grow while the other seems resistant. She explores the “teenager attitude” that can emerge in relationships, explains why pushing for change often creates more resistance, and offers practical ways to foster deeper connection without pressure. Through personal stories, coaching insights, and compassionate guidance, Alexandra shares how choosing your own growth can positively transform your marriage—even if your partner isn’t ready to join you yet.Resources Mentioned:What To Do When You’re Outgrowing Your Partner:https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/how-to-handle-growth-differences/When Your Partner Isn’t Into Personal Growth: https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/102-when-your-partner-isnt-into-personal-growth-the-intimate-marriage-podcast/The Intimate Connection App: https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/appSubscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get your copy of "Uncompromising Intimacy" by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Download the first chapter of Dr. Alexandra’s bestselling book, Uncompromising Intimacy, here:https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/bookCultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra’s proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/aligned-hot-marriageJoin Dr. Alexandra’s email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights, and opportunities to learn with her:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠