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We explore the hidden costs of emotional labor and how unspoken expectations drain couples, then map simple ways to share the load with clarity, compassion, and practice. Andrea Dindinger returns with practical scripts, the “emotional leader” idea, and her Loop Breaker course on ending repeat fights.
• defining emotional labor and why it’s exhausting
• naming transitions and creating simple homecoming contracts
• turning complaints into wishes and using soft startups
• avoiding mind reading with clear weekly check‑ins
• perfection pressure, comparison, and self‑talk that reduces resentment
• walking on eggshells with kids and modeling repair
• handling withdrawal and loud silence with explicit timeouts
• rotating “emotional leader” roles for small wins and relief
• early repairs versus costly avoidance and roof‑leak metaphor
• choosing one next step and building confidence through practice
“It's called The Loop Breaker... a really short digestible course that helps couples move out of the dynamics where they're having that same fight again and again... Find it at therapywithandrea.love or follow me on socials at Andrea Dindinger.”
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Thank you for joining me today on the Relationship Blueprint. Remember, don't let life happen to you. You can be the architect of your relationships. So join me next time on the Relationship Blueprint; Unlock Your Power of Connection.
Contact Colleen at [email protected] for questions or to be a guest on the show!

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Chapters

1. Emotional Labor Comes Into Focus (00:00:00)

2. Meet Andrea + The Loop Breaker (00:01:07)

3. Invisible Tasks And The Cost Of Return-The-Shirt Energy (00:03:56)

4. Defining Emotional Labor: EggshelLS And Exhaustion (00:06:46)

5. Transitions Home: Needs, Caves, And New Contracts (00:10:01)

6. Fairness When Both Partners Work (00:14:55)

7. From Rigid Plans To Fluid Teamwork (00:18:40)

8. Perfection Traps, Comparison, And Resentment (00:22:05)

9. Self-Check: Stories We Tell Ourselves (00:27:00)

10. Don’t Swallow It: Negotiate The Real Needs (00:31:45)

11. Undercommunication And The “You Should Know” Myth (00:35:45)

12. Behind Every Complaint Is A Wish (00:40:35)

13. Bids For Connection, Travel Stress, And Repair (00:44:05)

20 episodes