Beyond Bros

by Catherine of Expansive Connection Coaching

Why I am launching a guys group course… I am lucky that I have always had wonderful, complex, deep and supportive female friendships in my life. These women have laughed with me, cried with me, pushed me, pulled me, supported me, and time and time again helped me to be an always developing, and better version of myself.  When my husband and I started dating 18 years ago, and we got to the vulnerable very open level of our relationship, I was struck and saddened to realize that was not the case for him. Sure, he always had plenty of guy friends, but none that he connected with on the same level of depth that feels commonplace for me in my female friendships. I realized that I was my husband’s only source for vulnerable, deep connection.  Over the last 18 years I have watched him strive to develop male friendships that go beyond the typical surface connection around sports, shit talking, and drinking. Don’t get me wrong – he likes connecting with his friends in those ways too but has always felt a little lonely in friendships that stay on that level. He has had some successes in this quest, but they are hard won. The ability for him to find, make and sustain those connections seems extraordinarily more difficult than it has been for me and for most of the women I know.   As a counselor, I have always seemed to jive well with male clients. I have been honored to hear their worries, secrets, and to hold a space that is safe enough for them to be vulnerable in ways that some couldn’t/wouldn’t share with their partners. I would always ask about male friendships and support in their lives. Their answers often echoed my husband’s… “Sure I’ve got some guys to watch football with.”  “yeah Jim and I play golf together” “My college buddies still get together for some debauchery in Vegas once a year” They would report what they DID with their buddies, but not about how they supported each other in the emotional arena that they all reported wanting.  When I coach non-monogamous men, they report that the atmosphere of openness really appeals to them, yet they stumbled when the opportunity to take the conversations deeper are presented.  I can’t tell you how many times I have heard my male clients “admit” something to me, feeling sure they are the only man struggling with the issue he presented. I also can’t tell you how many times I have normalized the same concerns and told male clients that if they would just be brave enough to ask other NM men, they would very likely be seen, heard and understood.  I decided to do something to try to affect some change in this! The idea for a men’s group course hit me and I quickly reached out to Mr. Jones and some of my male clients to float the idea and survey them. I got resounding “Yes this is so needed!” along with pages of thoughts, ideas and insights. I used what they shared to develop Beyond Bros.  This first go around is a beta test group bootcamp style – quick and dirty ???? 6 weeks. You can click here for the details: https://mailchi.mp/ee30cdcb2a45/beyondbros

group of male friends in bar

Beyond Bros

in Guest Blog

by Catherine of Expansive Connection Coaching Why I am launching a guys group course… I am lucky that I have always had wonderful, complex, deep and supportive female friendships in my life. These women have laughed with me, cried with me, pushed me, pulled me, supported me, and time and […]

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consent for swinger sex

Episode 69 | Consent: More Than Words

in podcast

We all agree that consent is a bedrock principle in the lifestyle, but most conversations around this topic focus on verbal consent only. In episode 69, we talk about consent for swinger sex by using words but also through non-verbal cues…as well as giving yourself consent.   As always, this […]

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Grapefruit Aperol Cocktail

in Mrs Jones's Cocktails, tequila

Think of Aperol as the much lighter, flirtier cousin of Campari. This fresh cocktail is sure to please! 2 oz. Silver Tequila 1 oz. Triple Sec .5 oz. Aperol 1 oz. Simple Syrup 3 oz. Grapefruit Juice Garnish:  Fresh lime slice Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. […]

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Episode 68 | The ‘Social Sexy’ Lifestyle

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Topic– Some people are either put off by the term “swinger” or have misperceptions of what it really means today. We’ve decided to use the term ‘Social Sexy’ to describe how we view and engage with others in the world of ethical non-monogamy. Mentioned: Our friend “Ess” is a […]

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Basil Hayden whiskey, Woodford Reserve bitters, and a cocktail in a glass

Maple Manhattan

in bourbon, Mrs Jones's Cocktails, whiskey

If you’re looking for the perfect autumnal take on the classic Manhattan cocktail, look no further… Ingredients 2 ounces bourbon 1/4 ounce sweet vermouth 1 tablespoon maple syrup 2 dashes cherry bitters 1 Luxardo cherry for garnish 1 Cinnamon stick for garnish Add bourbon, vermouth, maple syrup and bitters to […]

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Young couple in casual clothes sitting on floor and talking indoors

Unexpected LS Event Benefits

in Guest Blog

by WGT Community Member You may not know this about lifestyle weekend events, but many couples find that — along with all of the fun and sexiness of a multi-day event — some pretty deep emotions and discussions can arise. You may leap to the conclusion of “jealousy,” and that […]

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Episode 67 | Eyes Wide Open- Lifestyle Red Flags

in podcast

We discuss identifying red flags in other couples and how to respond when you see them. We also talk about red flags that pop up within your own relationship and how, if left unresolved can lead to you becoming a red flag to other couples. Listen in as we work […]

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Our Kids Think We Are Acting Weird

in Guest Blog, We Gotta Thought

by Swinger Parents Recently, my husband and I were called out by our 13-year-old daughter about being too affectionate with each other lately. In her words, we’ve been “acting weird.”   She may have a point. There have been some changes in the way we behave with each other since starting […]

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