How to Fight So Your Relationship Gets Stronger (ft. Coral Osborne)

Sexologist Alexa Andre (@sexwithalexa) gets in bed with sexologist, intimacy coach for men, and former sex worker Coral Osborne for a conversation about conflict, repair, emotional safety, and how to fight in ways that actually strengthen relationships instead of destroying them.This episode breaks down why conflict is inevitable, why resolution is not the same as repair, and how most people unintentionally make things worse by avoiding discomfort, suppressing feelings, issuing ultimatums, or apologizing without real empathy. Coral shares tools drawn from attachment theory, coaching, lived experience, and relationship psychology to help couples navigate fights with curiosity, accountability, and emotional intelligence.Topics covered include:The difference between conflict resolution and emotional repairWhy 69% of conflict in relationships is recurringSecure vs anxious vs avoidant attachment stylesWhy conflict is necessary for real intimacySulking, silent treatment, and “read my mind” behaviorFight, flight, freeze responses in relationshipsHow avoidance fuels resentment and ruptureThe importance of reassurance during conflictWhy “do you want to be right or happy?” mattersActive listening and emotional attunementHow to bring issues up without score-keepingWhy feelings don’t have to “make sense” to be validRejection and abandonment as core emotional woundsWhat a real apology actually includesWhy ultimatums damage trust and safetyRepair rituals and post-conflict reconnectionWhy makeup sex doesn’t work for everyoneGamifying conflict and repair to reduce defensivenessWhen recurring fights are about values vs preferencesEmotional safety as the foundation for erotic surrenderCuriosity as the key to intimacy, sex, and connectionThank you to the best waterproof sex blanket in the market,  Splash Blanket for keeping me and my guests dry and cozy ◡̈