Partnership & Body Changes: What Not to Do (and Better Ways to Support Each Other)

When your partner’s body changes — whether from weight gain, shifting eating habits, or perimenopause — it can bring up some of the trickiest conversations in long-term relationships. In this episode of The Partnership Podcast, Lauren and Trey share a vulnerable look at how they navigate these sensitive moments with honesty, compassion, and growth.Trey tells the story of skipping Lauren’s favorite Hazy IPAs on a Sam’s Club run after a recent conversation about her body changes. Was this a supportive choice, or a potential “land mine”? Together, they unpack how unrequested service can backfire, drawing from Dr. Betty Martin’s Wheel of Consent and Alison Armstrong’s Celebrating Partnership.Lauren shares her desire to resist cultural obsession with “skinny” while entering her 40s with self-love, compassion, and education — not self-judgment. Trey reflects on breaking old patterns and celebrating small outward shifts that actually mean big relational change. They also dive into Lauren’s latest work on the roles of Liars & Lie Invitees in partnership, showing how truth-telling and conscious communication can transform long-term dynamics.This episode is both tender and practical, offering couples real insight into what not to do — and better ways to support each other through body changes, health goals, and the realities of aging together.Want more tools for navigating tricky conversations in partnership? Subscribe to The Partnership Podcast and connect with Lauren directly: www.sexedforyou.com/freeconsultAbout Us: Lauren and Trey are partners living in Central Virginia where Lauren owns and operates, SEX ED FOR YOU. She provides comprehensive sexuality education and embodied coaching to individuals, partners, and parents.Through a biopsychosocial approach, Sex Ed for You works to restore positive and respectful approaches to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as increase the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. (WHO)Sexual health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries. (WHO) When individuals are blocked from sexual health they are stunted from developing a sense of sensual play and enjoyment. • Learn more about Sex Ed for You at ⁠⁠https://www.sexedforyou.com⁠⁠• Schedule a FREE CONSULT with Lauren today: ⁠⁠https://www.sexedforyou.com/freeconsult⁠⁠• Learn more about partnered communication best practices on Sex Ed For You’s Instagram Page: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sex_ed_for_you/⁠⁠• Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more videos about sex, partnership, communication, and love: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@thepartnershippodcast⁠⁠Reminders: This is not a "how to" podcast, but rather a "how they" podcast. Please listen to our opinions and then come to your own! Learn from our mistakes or give our techniques a try! It’s all up to you. Lauren is NOT a therapist. She is a Certified Holistic Sexuality Educator and Embodied Intimacy and Relationship Coach.#partnershippodcast #relationships #bodychanges #perimenopause #weightgain #eatinghabits #wheelofconsent #longtermrelationship #relationshipadvice #consciouspartnership