Relationships Made Easy

Ever had someone freeze you out of a group text? Spread just enough gossip to make you doubt yourself? Smile to your face while subtly undermining you behind your back? That’s not just “drama,” it’s a form of bullying called relational aggression, and it can wreck friendships, families, and entire communities if it’s left unchecked. It’s not just drama. It’s emotional sabotage. Today, I’m breaking down what relational aggression really is, why it’s so destructive, and the research-backed strategies to protect yourself and stop the cycle, whether you’re dealing with family gatherings, sorority politics, or your neighborhood book club. _________   Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/relational-aggression-how-to-recognize-it-and-stop-it [https://abbymedcalf.com/relational-aggression-how-to-recognize-it-and-stop-it] Get the Relational Aggression Response Scripts: https://abbymedcalf.com/aggression-scripts [https://abbymedcalf.com/aggression-scripts]   Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack [https://abbymedcalf.com/substack].   You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/  [https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/%C2%A0]   👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries [https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries]   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook [https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook]   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  [https://abbymedcalf.com/book%C2%A0] ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives [https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives/] where you’ll find past episodes. Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop [https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/] Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd [https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving [https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/] LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving [https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving] YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube [https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube]   ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

You’re in a conflict, and suddenly, silence. No texts. No words. Just... nothing. It’s like you’re talking to a ghost. Whether it's your partner, parent, best friend, or coworker, the silent treatment isn’t just frustrating. It can be manipulative, even emotionally abusive. Today, I’m breaking down why people do it, how it messes with your brain, and what you can do instead of spiraling. Because begging for scraps of communication isn’t connection. And you deserve better than that. ____________________________   Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-deal-with-the-silent-treatment [https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-deal-with-the-silent-treatment]   Get the FREE Download What to Say When You’re Getting the Silent Treatment: 7 Boundary Scripts That Keep You Calm, Clear, and in Control: https://abbymedcalf.com/silent-treatment-scripts [https://abbymedcalf.com/silent-treatment-scripts]   Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack [https://abbymedcalf.com/substack].   You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/  [https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/%C2%A0]   👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries [https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries]   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook [https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook]   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  [https://abbymedcalf.com/book%C2%A0] ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives [https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives/] where you’ll find past episodes.   Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop [https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/]   Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd [https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving [https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/] LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving [https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving] YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube [https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ever notice how you can get excited about something in the beginning, but then totally lose steam? You start a new meditation practice, promise yourself you’ll speak more kindly to your partner, or commit to exercising. At first, you feel that spark. But then life gets busy, the excitement fades, and suddenly your motivation’s gone.   Here’s the problem: what you do to get motivated isn’t what you do to stay motivated. It’s like lighting a campfire. You use kindling to get it going, but you need bigger and bigger sticks and finally logs to keep it burning. If you just keep tossing kindling on, the fire fizzles out. But if you toss a log on too soon, you’ll smash those tiny embers.   Today I’m going to show you what the research says about how to get motivated in the first place and, just as importantly, how to stay motivated over the long haul in all areas of your life, from your personal growth to your relationships. ____________________________   Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/get-and-stay-motivated [https://abbymedcalf.com/get-and-stay-motivated] Download the Motivation Map Now: https://abbymedcalf.com/motivation-map [https://abbymedcalf.com/motivation-map]   Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack [https://abbymedcalf.com/substack].   You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/  [https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/%C2%A0]   👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries [https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries]   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook [https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook]   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  [https://abbymedcalf.com/book%C2%A0] ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives [https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives/] where you’ll find past episodes. Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd [https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving [https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/] LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving [https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving] YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube [https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

You’re sitting across from your friend, watching them light up when their partner texts, and your stomach turns. Something feels off. You’ve seen the controlling behavior, the subtle put-downs, the “jokes” that aren’t really funny. You love your friend, and you’re worried. But what do you do with that? Do you say something and risk the friendship? Or do you stay quiet and hope they figure it out on their own? ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-talk-to-a-friend-in-a-toxic-relationship [https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-talk-to-a-friend-in-a-toxic-relationship]     Get the free download: What to Say When You’re Worried: 10 Loving Scripts to Use When a Friend’s Relationship Looks Toxic. https://abbymedcalf.com/loving-scripts-friend [https://abbymedcalf.com/loving-scripts-friend]   Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack [https://abbymedcalf.com/substack].   You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/  [https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/%C2%A0]   👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries [https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries]   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook [https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook]   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  [https://abbymedcalf.com/book%C2%A0] ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives [https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives/] where you’ll find past episodes.   Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop [https://abbymedcalf.com/shop/]   A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag, or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop [https://abbymedcalf.com/shop]   Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd [https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving [https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/] LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving [https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving] YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube [https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

You’ve probably been taught that anxiety is a bad thing. Something to eliminate, avoid, or medicate (legally or otherwise) into oblivion. But what if I told you that anxiety, in its healthiest form, is actually trying to help you? What if anxiety wasn’t the villain in your story, but a misunderstood protector showing up in a slightly over-the-top way? This week, you're going to learn how to spot the difference between anxiety that’s working for you and anxiety that’s working you over. You’ll also get science-backed tools for reframing your worry so you can stop fighting it and start using it. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/anxiety-isnt-the-enemy [https://abbymedcalf.com/anxiety-isnt-the-enemy] Download your quick quiz: Is Your Anxiety Helping or Hurting You? https://abbymedcalf.com/anxiety-quiz [https://abbymedcalf.com/anxiety-quiz] Join my online community, One Love Collective, on Substack: https://abbymedcalf.com/substack [https://abbymedcalf.com/substack]. You'll get... ✨ Early drops + ad-free podcast episodes ✨ Worksheets, journal prompts, downloads, and guided visualizations ✨ Community chats and live Q&A calls with Abby _________   Subscribe to the Love Letter and get my little messages each week!  https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/  [https://abbymedcalf.com/loveletter-opt-in/%C2%A0]   👉 Pick up a copy of my new book, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Easy and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries [https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries]   👉 Pick up The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook [https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook]   👉 Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book  [https://abbymedcalf.com/book%C2%A0] ____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives [https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives/] where you’ll find past episodes. A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop [https://abbymedcalf.com/shop] Say hello on social: Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd [https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphd] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving [https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving/] LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving [https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving] YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube [https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.