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Stuck in a Relationship That Isn’t Working? A Negotiation Expert on Divorce, Dating After Divorce, and How to Decide Whether to Stay or Go

What if the hardest part of a relationship isn’t the conflict—but the indecision?

In this powerful episode of Start Your Comeback, Toni Thrash sits down with Dr. Merideth Thompson, social scientist, negotiation expert, and founder of Partner Lab, for an honest conversation about relationships that linger long after they stop working.

Dr. Thompson blends data, research, and lived experience to help listeners understand how negotiation principles apply to marriage, divorce, and dating after divorce—and why clarity is the key to moving forward with confidence.

 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why indecision—not your partner—is often the real enemy in struggling relationships
• How staying “for the kids” can unintentionally teach unhealthy relationship dynamics
• The difference between compromise vs. negotiation in romantic relationships
• Why meeting in the middle often leaves value—and happiness—on the table
• How vulnerability and transparency create healthier conflict resolution
• What negotiation really looks like inside marriage and long-term partnerships
• Why your body often knows the truth about your relationship before your mind does
• How to approach dating after divorce with clarity instead of fear
• Why you should never make yourself smaller to be chosen
• The five strongest predictors of relationship health and satisfaction (and why communication isn’t #1)

🧠 About Today’s Guest

Dr. Merideth Thompson is a PhD-trained social scientist, negotiation professor, and founder of Partner Lab, a research-based platform designed to help people make informed decisions about their romantic relationships.

With a background spanning Deloitte, higher education, entrepreneurship, and coaching, Meredith translates complex relationship science into practical tools that help people decide whether to stay, go, or renegotiate the relationship they’re in.

🔗 Resources & Links

• Partner Lab
• https://www.mypartnerlab.co/clarity-matrix

Meredith is also giving away a free Clarity Matrix Starter Guide that could help you get clarity as you prepare for a comeback!.

❤️Final Thought

If you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or constantly second-guessing your relationship, pay attention. Your body may already know what your mind is afraid to admit.

Clarity leads to confidence.
Confidence leads to courage.
And courage leads to a comeback.

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