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Valentine’s Day is here, but instead of feeling loved and cherished, you’re dreading it. Maybe there’s a pit in your stomach because this year is different. Your partner has asked for space. They’ve pulled away emotionally, or maybe they’re physically gone. Now, a day that’s supposed to be about love feels like a cruel reminder of what you’ve lost… or what you still might lose.

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for people at a relationship crossroads, where daily conflicts, emotional distance, and uncertainty don’t have to mean the end of love, but a chance to rebuild it in a way that actually works.

I’m Staci Bartley, a relationship mentor who’s spent the last decade helping people navigate the hardest moments of their lives. Alongside my co-host and lover, Tom, and our daughter, Brooke, we help you untangle the messiness of love.

So here’s the question we’re tackling today: Why does Valentine’s Day feel so painful when your relationship is in limbo? And more importantly, how do you get through it without making the biggest mistakes that will only leave you feeling worse?

In this episode, we’re unpacking the biggest emotional traps that keep you stuck, the #1 mistake people make when they’re desperate for connection, and, most importantly, how to reclaim Valentine’s Day in a way that strengthens you instead of breaking you down.

By the end of this episode, you won’t just have a survival plan, you’ll have a game plan for making this day something that actually helps you begin to feel good again.

So, if you’re wondering whether your partner will reach out… if you’re tempted to send that “just thinking of you” text… or if you feel like you don’t belong anywhere right now, this episode is for you. Let’s get started.

Timestamps:

01:12 Understanding the Pain of Valentine's Day
01:50 The Stubbed Toe Analogy
05:01 Common Mistakes in Relationship Limbo
09:25 Broadening Your Perspective
22:05 Practical Tips for Self-Love on Valentine's Day
27:34 The Importance of Self-Discovery
36:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

💡 Want to go deeper? If you’re navigating space, separation, or emotional distance, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship—it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide helps you move from obligation and anxiety to self-focus and strength—so you can navigate emotional distance with clarity and purpose. Learn more & start today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and regaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout for a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

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What if the hardest part about your partner asking for space isn’t the space itself—but what it does to you? The sleepless nights, the overthinking, the way every conversation replays in your head like a broken record. You tell yourself to be patient, but inside, you feel like you’re unraveling.

No one teaches us how to handle this moment. Most people react out of fear, chasing, shutting down, or grasping for control, without realizing the way they handle this space is shaping what happens next.

In this episode of Love Shack Live, we break down:

• ✅ The #1 mistake people make when their partner asks for space (and what to do instead).
• ✅ Why space isn’t necessarily the end—but an opportunity for clarity and growth.
• ✅ How emotional weightlifting helps you shift from panic to peace.
• ✅ The truth about why your partner needs space (it’s not what you think).

So how do you navigate this without making things worse? And is it really possible for space to bring you closer rather than push you apart? We need you to hear us say—yes.

Join us for a conversation that will change the way you see space, separation, and yourself.

🎧 Listen now!

Timestamps:

01:45 Why We Need Space
03:47 Personal Growth During Separation
08:47 Emotional Weightlifting
12:40 Autonomy in Togetherness
17:48 Facing the Pain and Growing
19:31 Common Emotional Fears
23:56 The Courage to Request Space
27:01 The Hard Truths of Relationships
32:31 The Cycle of Self-Rejection in Relationships
33:18 Realizing the Need for Autonomy
35:30 The Importance of Self-Understanding
38:27 Building Blocks of Self-Work
41:35 Communicating Needs and Embracing Change
48:55 Emotional Weightlifting and Self-Reflection
53:41 Final Thoughts and Practical Exercises

💡 Want to go deeper? If you’re navigating space, separation, or emotional distance, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship—it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide helps you move from obligation and anxiety to self-focus and strength—so you can navigate emotional distance with clarity and purpose. Learn more & start today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and regaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout for a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

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Ever feel like you’re the only one holding your relationship together? You keep showing up, biting your tongue, doing what needs to be done—not out of love, but out of obligation. And yet, the more you give, the more exhausted, disconnected, and unseen you feel.

The hard truth? Obligation isn’t just draining you, it’s destroying the very emotional connection you’re trying so hard to save.

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for people at a relationship crossroads. If you’re struggling with daily conflict, emotional distance, or feeling like your partner is slipping away, you’re in the right place. I’m Staci Bartley, a relationship mentor with over a decade of experience helping couples navigate the hardest moments of love and life. I’m joined by my co-host and partner Tom, and our daughter Brooke, and together we help you understand what’s really happening in your relationship—and what you can do to change it.

So here’s the question: What if the thing you think is holding your relationship together, obligation, is actually pulling it apart?

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking:

• 💔 How obligation slowly replaces intimacy, passion, and connection
• ⚡ Why unspoken expectations and hidden resentments build over time
• 🔄 The difference between commitment and obligation—and why confusing them leads to burnout
• 🛠️ How to shift from obligation-based love to genuine choice and emotional freedom

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a relationship that’s more about duty than desire, this episode is a must-listen. Because love isn’t about checking boxes, it’s about showing up because you want to, not because you have to.

🎧 Press play now and start breaking free from the weight of obligation.

Timestamps:

02:46 Marriage and Obligation
04:04 The Impact of Unspoken Expectations
07:58 The Balance of Obligations and Relationship Health
09:21 Emotional Exhaustion and Coping Mechanisms
13:46 Commitment vs. Obligation
16:46 Psychological Resistance to Obligation
21:22 The Emotional Weight of Obligations
26:21 Burnout and Self-Preservation
27:30 Dealing with Overwhelming Obligations
28:48 The Impact of Self-Imposed Obligations on Relationships
32:40 Reframing Obligations as Choices
37:39 Practical Tips for Managing Obligations
43:53 Communicating Boundaries and Needs
44:54 Making Obligations More Manageable
46:33 The Importance of Variety in Relationships
47:54 Final Thoughts on Navigating Obligations

💡 Want to go deeper? If you’re navigating space, separation, or emotional distance, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship—it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide helps you move from obligation and anxiety to self-focus and strength—so you can navigate emotional distance with clarity and purpose. Learn more & start today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and regaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout for a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

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Have you ever felt blindsided by your partner asking for space? Maybe you’re stuck replaying every conversation, wondering how it got to this point. Or perhaps you’re grappling with resentment, thinking, Why didn’t they say something sooner?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for those standing at a relationship crossroads. If you’re dealing with daily conflicts, emotional gaps, or longing to reconnect with someone you deeply care about, this is your space.

In this episode, we answer your most raw and heartfelt questions:

• Why should I appreciate my partner for asking for space, especially when it hurts so much?
• How can I let go of the resentment when they didn’t communicate their struggles sooner?
• Is it okay to reach out during a separation, or will it make things worse?

Together, we’ll uncover why asking for space is often an act of courage, not rejection, and how this moment can open a door to deeper connection and growth. You’ll walk away with actionable tools to navigate the gray areas of space, silence, and second chances.

Don’t miss this powerful episode that might just reframe how you view one of the hardest moments in your relationship journey.

Timestamps:

02:15 Understanding the Need for Space
05:48 Balancing Sadness and Empathy
08:01 Self-Reflection and Communication
11:58 Creating a Safe Space for Difficult Conversations
20:53 When to Reach Out During Space and Separation
24:07 The Importance of Self-Integrity
24:36 Understanding Emotional Drivers
25:03 Dealing with Separation and Unrequited Love
25:57 The Capacity to Love Many
28:47 Effective Communication in Relationships
30:54 Creating Space in Relationships
39:01 Navigating Separation with Children
41:10 Final Thoughts and Resources

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic. It doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship. Instead, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide is designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust—on your own terms and timeline. Learn more and get started today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and gaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, discover the tools and support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

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Have you found yourself in the unsettling quiet of giving your partner the space they asked for, wondering if you’re doing the right thing, or if you’re losing them altogether? The silence can be deafening, filled with questions: Am I helping or hurting? Is this space tearing us apart, or could it actually bring us closer?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone standing at a relationship crossroads, unsure of how to bridge the growing gap. If you’re facing daily conflicts, emotional distance, or moments of doubt about whether love can survive the strain, you’re in the right place. Together, we uncover the skills and strategies to rebuild bonds that are genuine and lasting.

In this episode, we tackle the burning question: How much space is too much? We’ll explore how to honor someone’s need for space while maintaining a connection, and why this time apart might be the very thing your relationship needs to grow.

By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with practical tools to create clarity during times of separation, establish healthy boundaries, and navigate the emotional uncertainty with intention and confidence.

And here’s the twist: we’re not just talking about “giving space” to your partner. We’re diving into how to use this time to reconnect with yourself, strengthen your foundation, and discover the opportunities hidden within the discomfort.

So, grab your headphones and step into the Love Shack, where we’ll guide you through this challenging season with wisdom, hope, and actionable insights.

Your journey starts here.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Navigating Relationship Crossroads
01:14 Understanding the Need for Space
02:04 The Challenges of Giving Space
02:58 Learning Relationship Skills
04:47 Facing the Reality of Relationship Issues
07:39 Common Misconceptions About Space
19:23 The Importance of Clear Communication
20:25 Healthy vs. Unhealthy Space
29:30 Understanding the Need for Space
30:22 The Emotional Struggle of Asking for Space
31:36 The Pressure of Using Space Correctly
35:25 Creating a Plan for Space
37:12 Setting Agreements and Expectations
40:08 Navigating No Contact Periods
42:30 The Importance of Clarity and Communication
53:32 Tools and Resources for Separation
55:41 Reflecting on Personal Needs and Agreements
57:14 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic. It doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship. Instead, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide is designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust—on your own terms and timeline. Learn more and get started today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and gaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, discover the tools and support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

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Feeling stuck in the space between staying and leaving?

That painful limbo, where your relationship isn’t thriving, but it’s not over either, can feel like a roller coaster of hope, despair, and confusion. Whether your partner has asked for space, filed for divorce, or you’re simply feeling emotionally disconnected, you might be asking yourself: Can this relationship be saved, or am I fooling myself?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, the podcast for anyone at a relationship crossroads. Hosted by Staci Bartley, along with her husband, Tom, and daughter, Brooke, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of love and partnership with honesty, compassion, and practical tools.

In this episode, we’re diving into what we call The Land of Maybe—the uncertain, emotional space where relationships are tested to their core. We’ll explore:

• Why this space feels like “hell on earth” and how to find peace amidst the chaos.
• How letting go of control (not hope) can create powerful new possibilities.
• What needs to happen for healing, even when one partner seems resolved to leave.
• Real stories of couples who found clarity and growth, whether together or apart.

If you’re holding on, unsure what to do next, this episode is for you. Discover how to shift from fear and confusion to clarity and strength. Because space doesn’t have to mean the end, it can be the beginning of transformation.

Let’s uncover what’s possible. Join us in the Love Shack.

Timestamps:

• 03:19 Listener Question: Avoiding Divorce
• 05:13 Emotional Rollercoaster of Uncertainty
• 07:31 The Importance of Honest Communication
• 11:35 Navigating Emotional Pain and Discomfort
• 21:02 The Power of Letting Go
• 29:29 Creating Emotional Safety
• 33:45 The Consequences of Avoiding Difficult Conversations
• 35:52 The Importance of Honest Communication
• 37:22 Learning to Communicate Effectively
• 39:00 Personal Stories and Examples
• 41:25 The Lifelong Journey of Relationship Skills
• 44:10 Navigating Relationship Challenges
• 47:58 The Power of Self-Reflection
• 53:23 Envisioning a Future of New Possibilities
• 57:38 Conclusion and Resources

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic—it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship. Instead, it can be the start of a transformative journey toward clarity, confidence, and connection.

✨ Start Your Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap: This flexible, step-by-step guide is designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust—on your own terms and timeline. Learn more and get started today: https://stacibartley.com/self-paced/30-day-roadmap

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your must-have resource for staying grounded, managing emotions, and gaining clarity during this uncertain time. Get your free guide here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, discover the tools and support you need to navigate this chapter of your relationship. Browse here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Podcast Listener Exclusive: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock a special discount on the Self-Paced 30-Day Roadmap!

Your journey toward clarity and strength starts now.

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Have you ever watched someone you love slowly fade into emotional darkness, desperately wanting to help but feeling powerless as they pull away? Or perhaps you're the one who feels the overwhelming need to withdraw, even as your heart aches for connection?

Welcome to Love Shack Live, where we guide couples standing at the crossroads of their relationships, helping them navigate the complex terrain between disconnection and lasting intimacy.

In this rare and powerful episode, we're joined by Mason, who once identified as avoidant but has since transformed his relationship with both himself and others. Through his raw and honest story, we'll uncover:

• What it really feels like to be in that "deep, dark hole" of avoidant attachment
• Why highly sensitive people often find themselves pulling away from those they love most
• The surprising truth about why space and separation can sometimes be the greatest gift
• How to transform the pain of withdrawal into a journey of self-discovery

This isn't just another conversation about attachment theory. It's a story of how one person found his way back to life after believing he was "broken" – and how you can too.

Join Staci, Tom, and Brooke as they dive deep into the misunderstood world of avoidant attachment, debunking myths and offering hope for both those who withdraw and those who love them.

Whether you're the one needing space or the one feeling left behind, this episode illuminates the path forward with compassion, understanding, and practical wisdom for your own journey of transformation.

Timestamps:

02:35 Attachment Theory Basics
05:14 Debunking Myths About Avoidant Attachment
06:20 Mason's Personal Experience
07:34 The Struggles of Avoidant Attachment
29:37 The Turning Point
36:03 Navigating Vulnerability and Avoidance
37:23 The Precious Gift of Self-Reflection
43:00 Embracing Emotional Presence
45:09 Balancing Coping Mechanisms
48:25 Facing Yourself and Overcoming Avoidance
51:24 The Power of Community Support
53:32 Resources and Final Thoughts

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic—it’s not the end. It’s an opportunity to reflect, rebuild, and reconnect.

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your essential guide to managing emotional distance, staying grounded, and creating clarity during this uncertain time. Get it here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore the 30-Day Roadmap: A step-by-step guide designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust in your relationship. Learn more here: https://stacibartley.com/30-day-roadmap/sales

✨ Discover All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the perfect fit to support your relationship journey. Explore here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Exclusive for Podcast Listeners: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock your special discount!

Send us a text

It’s one of the most gut-wrenching moments in a relationship: your partner asks for space. You’re left reeling, questioning everything. Why does this hurt so much? Why can’t they just stay and work through it with me? What am I supposed to do now?

In this special episode of Love Shack Live, we’re diving deep into what it really means when your partner asks for space, and why it’s not necessarily the end. With insights drawn from thousands of relationships, we’ll explore the anxious-avoidant dynamic, the emotional weight both partners carry, and how this painful moment can actually become a catalyst for transformation.

We’ll answer your most pressing questions:

• Why does space feel so unbearable?
• What steps can you take to navigate this phase without losing yourself?
• How do you foster growth when everything feels uncertain?

Whether you’re feeling anxious, avoidant, or just stuck, this episode offers practical strategies to stop spiraling, understand what’s really happening beneath the surface, and find your footing again.

Because space isn’t just an ending, it can be the beginning of something new, something better. Let’s take the first step together.

Timestamps:

02:36 Understanding the Anxious-Avoidant Paradox
03:20 Coping Mechanisms: Avoidant vs. Anxious
06:51 The Role of Space in Relationships
10:19 Navigating Emotional Pushups
14:31 The Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries
21:56 Building Interdependence in Relationships
26:20 Effective Communication Strategies
29:07 Navigating Space in Relationships
29:37 Cooling Off Period and Separation Agreement
30:41 Avoiding the Land of Maybe
31:06 Emotional Impact of Uncertainty
31:42 Creating a Separation Agreement
32:51 The Importance of a Plan During Space
37:02 Dealing with Strong Emotions
41:48 Coping with a Partner Seeing Someone Else
45:38 Letting Go and Self-Forgiveness
49:47 The Love In Limbo 30-Day Roadmap
50:53 Creating Fun and Relaxation in Relationships
53:38 Song of the Week: Grow as We Go by Ben Platt
54:49 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Has your partner asked for space? Don’t panic—it’s not the end. It’s an opportunity to reflect, rebuild, and reconnect.

✨ Download the Separation Survival Kit: Your essential guide to managing emotional distance, staying grounded, and creating clarity during this uncertain time. Get it here: https://stacibartley.com/separation-survival-kit/optin

✨ Explore the 30-Day Roadmap: A step-by-step guide designed to help you navigate emotional distance, honor your partner’s need for space, and rebuild trust in your relationship. Learn more here: https://stacibartley.com/30-day-roadmap/sales

✨ Discover All Our Programs: From expert mentorship to proven strategies, find the perfect fit to support your relationship journey. Explore here: https://stacibartley.com/programs/index/

🎉 Exclusive for Podcast Listeners: Use the code LOVESHACK15 at checkout to unlock your special discount!