The Elements That Define a Successful Intimate Relationship: Relationship Panel 1Relationships can be complex, especially with the numerous components that need to be balanced, and there is no perfect formula for their success. Regardless of how you got into your relationship or what you hope to achieve, it is important to communicate effectively with your partner, manage your finances, and cultivate or nurture intimacy between you. A successful intimate relationship allows people to enjoy each other's company, communicate clearly, and feel comfortable sharing financial matters. This is especially important as couples grow older and start having children. Of all the factors, communication is the glue that sticks them together. It is the lifeblood of any romantic relationship. It helps establish and maintain intimacy, explore thoughts and feelings, and grow with your partner. If you cannot communicate effectively, all of your positive intentions to give the best in your relationship will just be a dream.Join this relationship talk part 1 and learn more about the key components of intimate relationships. The panelists include; Ce'Aira Robbins, J'bria Iyalla, Alexis Thomas, Aleta Johnson, Sharron Buck, Edward Triplett, Bobby Johnson, Keith Phillips, and Rodney Dickens. We shall talk about; how important communication is in romantic relationships, how one can create a healthy balance & not lose their uniqueness in the relationship, financial harmonization, and intimacy.Tune in!During this episode, you will learn about;[00:24] Episode intro and pre-show talk[02:46] Meet the panelists in our relationship talk[04:54] How important is communication in romantic relationships?[06:12] Why it is sometimes hard for couples to communicate  [09:15] The secret is finding a healthy balance in communication[10:43] What Ce'Aira has learned about communication  [11:38] You need to be a little vulnerable with your partner[12:27] Our communication styles and non-verbal cues matter a lot[14:17] How can you create a healthy balance & not lose your sanity in your relationship?[15:12] Bobby’s ideas on how to not forget to invest in yourself while in a relationship[17:09] Who can you blame for the failure of not prioritizing yourself?[19:44] The question of finances and how to best manage them in a relationship[23:19] Harmonizing different perspectives on the money with your partner[27:55] Meaning of intimacy and how to cultivate it in your relationship[30:34] Has the internet contributed to building or destroying intimacy in relationships?[35:47] How important is intimacy in relationships[37:46] What does intimacy encompass?[39:28] How couples can keep having fun without being bogged down by the demands of life[47:49] How can partners adjust when the other person changes or evolves[53:09] Handling emotional changes with your spouse or partner[55:11] Key- nuggets and wrap upCheck Part 2 of this communication and continue with the juicy conversation!Notable Quotes Communication is vital in a relationship because you don’t have a relationship without it.Communication is not only the foundation of romantic relationships but also helps you learn your partner’s love language.Some couples find it hard to communicate because of the traumas from previous relationships. Our relationships will only effectively work if we strike a healthy balance in communicating with our spouses.Communication in relationships is largely shaped by how we were nurtured and the nature of the environment we grew up in.We are all at different levels of communication, but until we get past the hurdle of fear, it won’t be as successful as it could be.&a

Saying Goodbye: Building An Authentic Friendship and Maintaining itThe most important thing that you can do in your friendship is to show up for each other. Friendship is like a relationship or a marriage. You have to be there for each other to keep it alive. It will also not be a straight line. There will be ups and downs and conflicts along the way, and resolving your situations with respect and hearing each other out makes you stronger. Don’t end friendships so fast just because of conflicts. Most of the issues can be fixed, no matter how big or small they are. Authentic friendship is a treasure, and saying goodbye to your best friend can be very emotional, and today Angela and I will be doing it. We will be physically apart, and as we share, it will never be the same.Join the conversation with my best friend Angela as she shares our friendship journey and tips on how to build and thrive in a friendship. Angela is an educator, military wife, mom, sister, friend and so much more. Learn how authentic relationships are created, how to show up for each other, and handle ups and downs wisely with confidence from our 11 years of friendship journey.  Tune in!During this episode, you will learn about;[00:24] Episode intro and pre-show talk[03:46] A bit about our guest today, Angela[05:19] How Angela and Monique met and became a friend [07:35] What made Angela realize that they were true friends  [08:59] Angela’s best memory in their 11-plus years of friendship [11:23] Why Angela holds back before trusting people[12:13] How long it took Angela to trust Monique[13:22] What Angela desired from a friendship [17:13] Angela and Monique's friendship conflict and how they resolved it [24:15] Angela and Monique’s most memorable trip in their friendship [30:47] How to adjust in a friendship when life dynamics change [33:28] What Angela and Monique will miss in their friendship now that they will be physically apart[40:48] Ending the show and call to action Notable Quotes In friendship, showing up for each other builds trust and makes your friendship authentic.Crying on someone's shoulders makes you feel comfortable and loved, and you can trust them. Friendship is like relationships and marriages; you don’t give up on it because of conflict; you sit down and hear each other out.Each relationship is unique, and you have a special link with each of them. Let’s Connect Monique SimmonsWebsite: https://www.demowithmo.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmopodcast/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/demowithmo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@demowithmo/About The Show       *****Thank you so much for listening to the DEMO with Mo PODCAST! This podcast’s mission is to help equip you with the tools and practical applications to do relationships well. Get inspired, motivated, and tuned up with honest conversations every week. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and be a part of this blessed family. Please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and family!

How to Adjust When Your Village Moves Away It is difficult when our friends, family members, and loved ones move away. We can't help but feel a sense of loss when we lose contact with them. It can be particularly challenging when they move far away, and we have no means of being physically in contact with them. However, there are ways to make the adjustment easier on us. These include scheduling appointments, making new friends, participating in therapy, or planning in advance for future visits.Join this conversation with Liz Tillman Nichols as we talk about what a village is, who our village is, what happens when our village moves away, and how to readjust when we move away from our village. Liz is the founder of Dope as a Mother, a teacher, mother, wife, and serial entrepreneur who has built a platform dedicated to uplifting moms and encouraging them to be exactly who they want to be.Tune in!During this episode, you will learn about;[00:36] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest[02:45] What is a ‘village’ in this context[03:30] What comprises your village[04:48] Liz's Village that moves away and the impact it has had[08:03] How Liz re-adjusted without her family village[09:58] How to cultivate honesty from within[11:34] How and why some areas of our lives have changed without her village[13:22] Allowing herself to go through the emotional feelings of separation from the village [16:11] How the relationship has grown cold since the village moved [20:46] How it feels seeing them enjoy life in places she can't be[21:18] How often does Liz visit them[22:42] Why it is important to plan for meetings with a village that has moved away[24:56] Feel the moment when your village is moving away- do not assume[26:11] Practical ways to adjust and cultivate healthy relationships[27:39] Q&A from our Facebook group[31:38] Episode wrap up[33:01] How you can reach out and connect with LizNotable Quotes Be flexible enough to know that changes are inevitable. They will come anyway.Cultivate honesty from within before you can be honest with other people.To cultivate honesty, you need a lot of self-awareness and introspection. Physical meetings with people and socializing will never equal a virtual meeting.Not every person you are dealing with is part of your village.Let’s Connect Liz Tillman NicholsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/busylizzyconsulting/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/groups/2352062945023516/Monique SimmonsWebsite: https://www.demowithmo.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmo/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/demowithmo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@demowithmo/Facebook Private Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/548524369897098/?ref=shareAbout The Show       *****Thank you so much for listening to the DEMO with Mo PODCAST! This podcast’s mission is to help equip you with the tools and practical applications to do relationships well. Get inspired, motivated, and tuned up with honest conversations every week. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and be part of this blessed family. Please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and family!

That One Time I Went to Jail!Trusting God in difficult times can be hard. Whether born again or not, painful seasons in life will be inevitable. Job 14 says, "Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble…" He will use us in any circumstances, even in the darkest times, so His message of Love can be put right. Every trial God sends, even our daily frustrations, are meant to test us and grow us stronger in faith.Join this conversation as I share how I landed in jail and served God’s will as He desired. I own the truth that when you are in a dark time, trust God, who gives you light to see the good in all situations. This is an honest message that is always true. Tune in!During this episode, you will learn about;[00:06] Episode intro and today's focus[01:15] Actions that landed me in jail in 2015[07:38] Taking it positively inside the jail cell[09:12] The peace of God that engulfed me despite the circumstance[12:30] God’s plan isn’t always our plan[15:33] Stories of other women that moved my heart[17:21] Sunday morning- women thirsting for God[22:06] Leading the women to give their lives to Christ[24:40] Seven years later- Served the purpose of God[27:07] Allow God to use you for His glory no matter the situation[30:09] Do not be afraid to share what God has done for you[32:46] Wrap-up and call to actionNotable Quotes Your circumstances and situations will change, but God will never.Anything that has happened to other people could just have happened to you as well. It’s only by the grace of God.Allow God to use you and speak to you during tempting times.When God does something in your life, don’t keep it to yourself. Let’s Connect Monique SimmonsWebsite: https://www.demowithmo.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmo/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/demowithmo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@demowithmo/About The Show       *****Thank you so much for listening to the DEMO with Mo PODCAST! This podcast’s mission is to help equip you with the tools and practical applications to do relationships well. Get inspired, motivated, and tuned up with honest conversations every week. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and be part of this blessed family. Please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and family!

It Is Hard Making Friends with Other Couples!Making friends with other couples can be done, but it is going to take you a little work if you want it to be real, authentic, genuine, or build something you can draw from time to time. Building real relationships with other couples is more than just meeting them; it takes more effort to know them, build friendships and grow meaningful relationships. It’s just like any other relationship; marriage, dating or building your own personal relationships with your friends. In today's episode, we will be discussing why it is important for couples to make friends with other couples and practical ways to meet and build authentic relationships. Having a relationship with other couples who know the struggle, who understand where you’re coming from and who can support and hold you accountable makes your relationship easier. Tune in!During this episode, you will learn about;[00:24] Episode intro and today's focus[03:25] Looking at relationships objectively and from the bigger pictures [05:18] Why making friends with other couples may be hard.[08:50] Different ways that you can meet other couples [11:31] Dating Engaged and Married Objectives (D.E.M.O) private Facebook group [15:01] D.E.M.O monthly couple date nights and their goals [16:16] The importance of building relationships with other couplesNotable Quotes Building a relationship with other couples is more than meeting them; it takes a little effort to know the person.Having other couples that you can relate with outside your marriage is beautiful, but it takes work.Making couple friends is for the people involved; you, your partner, and another couple.When looking to make friends with other couples, start with the couples in your circles. A real and authentic relationship doesn’t happen overnight. Let’s Connect Monique SimmonsWebsite: https://www.demowithmo.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmo/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/demowithmo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@demowithmo/About The Show       *****Thank you so much for listening to the DEMO with Mo PODCAST! This podcast’s mission is to help equip you with the tools and practical applications to do relationships well. Get inspired, motivated, and tuned up with honest conversations every week. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and be part of this blessed family. Please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and family!

Why are Romantic Relationships so Hard?Relationships can be hard, especially when you are not equipped to deal with them. Whether you find yourself dating, in a long-term relationship, or married with kids, there's no denying that relationships can be complicated. There will be times when you will disagree and get into conflicts. But despite the difficulties in a relationship, people are still determined to have one.Communication is the key to solving many problems in a relationship, but often people don't know how to express themselves properly or listen effectively. You will learn these tips in the episode. Conflict management skills and understanding yourself and what you want in a partner are important. They also often reveal who you truly are as well as what your values are. This episode will provide some insights into the top three reasons that make relationships difficult, as well as tips on how to improve your relationship with ease.Tune in!During this episode, you will learn about;[00:51] Episode intro and today's focus[02:30] Reasons based on data I obtained from our Facebook Group Survey[02:58] #1. Lack of  communication[04:03] Gottman’s four horsemen- how to communicate in a relationship[05:47] #2. Lack of conflict management skills[07:44] Conflict resolution skills[07:50] Getting in touch with your feelings[10:46] Active listening[12:31] Assertive communication[15:52] Conflict resolution strategies[19:13] Have a non-biased third-party person[26:15] Consider a compromise [27:07] Seek a solution[30:09] #3. Relationships reveal who you truly are[37:06] Wrap up and call-to-actionNotable Quotes Good communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship with another person, whether that relationship is social, romantic, or professional.Conflicts are not the issue in relationships. Handling them effectively is everything.Whenever you argue to win, you both end up losing.  RESOURCES MENTIONED Season 1 Episode 11: https://www.demowithmo.com/how-to-have-effective-communication/Conflict Resolution Skills in a Relationship: https://www.verywellmind.com/conflict-resolution-skills-for-healthy-relationships-3144953Let’s Connect Monique SimmonsWebsite: https://www.demowithmo.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmo/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/demowithmo/Facebook Private Relationship Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/548524369897098/?ref=shareTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@demowithmo/About The Show       *****Thank you so much for listening to the DEMO with Mo PODCAST! This podcast’s mission is to help equip you with the tools and practical applications to do relationships well. Get inspired, motivated, and tuned up with honest conversations every week. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and be part of this blessed family. Please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and family.

The Kids are Asleep, Now What!Once you get into a romantic relationship or marriage and have kids, your relationship dynamics can drastically change. It is very easy to lose a once romantic marriage if you don't take the necessary measures to protect it. You have to be very proactive about spending time together and making time for one another.How do you get on a schedule at the end of your long working day when your kids are asleep? What boundaries have you put in place with your partner? How do you connect with one another? What if you were both exhausted from the day and still had to make time for your partner? Join this conversation as I share practical tips and tricks you can implement to nurture your relationship.Tune in!During this episode, you will learn about;[00:24] Episode intro and today's focus[02:22] The rationale of this episode's topic[04:38] Setting reasonable boundaries [05:30] Understanding your uniqueness as partners [06:17] Train your babies to have their own sleep schedule[07:07] Preparations begin during pregnancy [10:00] Getting proactive and creative on how to create your schedules[11:36] Handling issues of being on a phone while having private time with your partner [12:20] Things you can do during that alone time with your partner [13:51] Your relationship/marriage should always be a priority [16:02] Stick to your agreements without compromise Notable Quotes We can get caught up in the routines of the day and forget to connect with our partners.A child can change the dynamics of your relationship and make you forget the needs of each other.Your marriage is always a priority, don't lose it trying to solve every need of your kid.  RESOURCES MENTIONED Sleep Training FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/respectfulsleeplearning/Let’s Connect Monique SimmonsWebsite: https://www.demowithmo.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmo/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/demowithmo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@demowithmo/About The Show       *****Thank you so much for listening to the DEMO with Mo PODCAST! This podcast’s mission is to help equip you with the tools and practical applications to do relationships well. Get inspired, motivated, and tuned up with honest conversations every week. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and be part of this blessed family.Please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and family!

It’s Our Anniversary!A wedding anniversary reminds you of one of the most important days in your life. It's a day that can be captured as a decoration or photo to remind you of all the milestones you visit over this season, month, and year. Anniversaries present couples with the opportunity to reflect on their relationship thus far, while the traditions allow couples to come together to celebrate one another's achievements and love.Today's episode is special because it is a celebration of our marriage with my husband, Corey Simmons. We just celebrated our 12th anniversary this weekend in a spectacular way. If you have never tried a road trip, you are doing yourself a great injustice. I could have shared our weekend experiences all by myself, but I thought it wiser to invite my husband on to share his experiences too. If this is your first time here at DEMO with Mo, check out our website, and let's connect using the links at the end of these show notes.Tune in! During this episode, you will learn about;[00:06] Episode introduction[00:12] Celebrating 12 years of marriage[03:26] Meet my husband, Corey, and hear his take on our anniversary celebration [03:46] Why we chose to celebrate our anniversary with a road trip[04:15] Overview of the weekend's activities[05:07] Why not making prior plans was the best decision[06:52] You should visit the Old Mill Park in Roswell, Georgia[07:57] Why you are doing yourself a big injustice without a road trip[10:02] The one thing that my husband did not appreciate[11:10] With unlimited funds, which location and activities would we have?Let’s Connect Monique SimmonsWebsite: https://www.demowithmo.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmo/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/demowithmo/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@demowithmo/Places You need to visit;Old Mill Park 95 Mill St Roswell, GA 30075The Complex Sports & Entertainment 3230 Woodward Crossing Blvd Buford, GA 30519The Kelly Birmingham, Tapestry Collection by Hilton 2027 1st Ave N. Birmingham, AL 35203Song Used in this episode.Your Love by Niwel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzxfwZsU840About The Show       *****Thank you so much for listening to the DEMO with Mo PODCAST! This podcast’s mission is to help equip you with the tools and practical applications to do relationships well. Get inspired, motivated, and tuned up with honest conversations every week. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and be part of this family.Please consider leaving a review and sharing it with your friends and family!

The Journey to Marriage Love is a beautiful thing and most of us are lucky to experience it. In this episode, we discuss the marriage journey of our guest couple, Elijah and Kristina. The two got married after dating for more than ten years.Elijah and Kristina take us through this beautiful journey, from how they met, to their engagement, their wedding, and the planning process. Tune in to listen to this and more!Key Highlights[3:21]How Elijah and Kristina met[5:52]What motivated Elijah to keep pursuing Kristina[6:38]How long they dated[7:40] How Elijah knew she was the one[9:02] If Kristina ever felt like rushing EJ to marry her[11:44] If the couple felt their families' support in their relationship[13:41] The wedding planning process from engagement to marriage[20:40] Most special moment for the couple during the wedding[23:50] Hiccups experienced during the wedding[24:32] The couple's reaction to best man not showing up[33:12] Number of children the couple plans to have[37:21] The best relationship advice they have ever received[40:13] Blending their families[44:34] Parenting styles they plan on implementing[47:06] Prioritizing date time and alone time after marriage[54:44] The couple's advice to young couples that are unsure about marriage Notable QuotesTwo weeks after engagement it's gonna be quiet. You know it's calm before the storm comes.- Elijah The wedding time was the most blissful yet the most stressful of my entire life. - KristinaMen don't understand that women are like the brains behind masterpieces. We are the reason you get to have wonderful, beautiful weddings that everybody applauds you about. - KristinaWhen my husband hurts, it hurts me to see him hurt. - MoniqueSurround yourself with people who are trying to do marriage and do it well. - MoniqueYou have to get God involved in your marriage.- ElijahAdvice to newly married couples, don't lose yourself. Even after marriage, you are still individuals. - MoniqueResourcesTo connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmo/ Website: https://www.demowithmo.com/ Find me on Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/demowithmo/?_rdc=1&_rdrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@demowithmo Email: [email protected] with Mo (demo-with-mo.myspreadshop.com) Please remember to leave a review every time you listen to our episodes on any Podcasting platform.Find us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1583181560?mt=2&ls=1Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nMIQxjLCGCuzPjMMLVMajOther ResourcesCeremony & Reception Design, Floral, & Cartering: Fresh Cut Catering & Floralhttps://www.freshcutofjxn.com/Coordinator: Grace Gardenhttp://gracegardenevents.com/Cake: Wild Flour Bakeryhttps://instagram.com/wild_flour_bakery_ms?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Lights: Alpha Lit Jacksonhttps://www.alphalitletters.com/ Singer/Entertainment: Kerry Thomashttps://instagram.com/kerrythomasmusic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Professional Harpist: Mandy Mangrum Joneshttps://mississippiharpist.com/bio/DJ & Gobo: Chris Bankshttps://instagram.com/dj_creative_chris?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Bartender:Fancy Bartending Serviceshttps://instagram.com/mrs.willis_5?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Photographer: Jireh Lewis Photographyhttps://instagram.com/jirehlewisphotography?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Videographer: Frost Mediahttps://frostmediaservices.comFlowering Tree Rentals: A Beautiful Eventhttps://www.abeautifulevent.com/Photo boards: Create10MEhttps://www.create10medesigns.com/360 Photo Booth: A&R Rentalshttps://instagram.com/arrentals?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Officiant: The Phenomenal Pastor Matt McGue

You Don’t Really Expect Women To Do It All, Do You? Why are women expected to do it all? The world is changing, and women are coming into their own. Traditionally, women have been expected to be the primary caretakers of the home and children, but times are changing. In today’s episode, we are going to talk about why society expects women to do all things, why both parties need to contribute in a marriage, and the benefits of doing what you are good at in any relationship.Key Highlights[02:47] How the society views women[05:35] Why women are expected to do all things[06:55] How time has changed[08:36] Why both parties need to contribute to a marriage[11:07] Doing what you are good at as a coupleQuotes“You can’t compare today's time to how it was when our grandmothers were taking care of our homes because time has changed. There are so many different things that affect how things happen in the home now.”“The view that the society has that women should take on the bulk of all things and still work is wrong.”“For any relationship to prosper, both parties need to contribute.”“In a relationship, people should do what they do best. If you love cooking, then cook.”ResourcesTo connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demowithmo/ Website: https://www.demowithmo.com/ Find me on Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/demowithmo/?_rdc=1&_rdrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@demowithmo Email: [email protected] with Mo (demo-with-mo.myspreadshop.com)  Please remember to leave a review every time you listen to our episodes on any Podcasting platform. Find us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1583181560?mt=2&ls=1Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nMIQxjLCGCuzPjMMLVMaj