Single-spousing: Navigating Relationships and Embracing Quality Connections with Danielle Sangalli

In this episode of Diamonds in Dumpster Fires, I'm joined by the insightful Danielle Sangalli—licensed marriage and family therapist, relationship coach, and the brilliant mind behind the term single-spousing. If you've ever felt like you're doing all the emotional heavy lifting in your relationship while your partner feels miles away (even if they're sitting right next to you), this conversation is for you.

We unpack what it means to feel alone together, why it happens even in committed relationships, and how to begin closing that emotional gap. From practical communication tools to the importance of having a support system that gets it, Danielle offers both clarity and comfort for anyone wondering if they're asking for too much—or simply asking for what's real.

She also shares details about her group program designed to help couples move beyond coexisting and start truly connecting again. Whether you're in a relationship, healing from one, or supporting a friend who feels like they're loving solo, you'll walk away with encouragement, insight, and some next steps.

Key Takeaways:

• Single-spousing is when you feel emotionally alone in a committed relationship—like you're carrying the connection by yourself.
  
  

• Emotional disconnect often looks like coexisting, not connecting.
  
  

• Healthy, honest communication is the bridge back to intimacy.
  
  

• You're not "too much" for wanting support. Your needs are valid.
  
  

• Becoming aware of your own patterns is part of healing (and helps you stop the cycle).
  
  

• Relationships don't thrive on autopilot—intentional connection is key.
  
  

• Physical distance doesn't have to mean emotional distance—get creative.
  
  

• Learning to speak your needs without fear is a game changer.
  
  

• Therapy can help you sort through what's yours, what's theirs, and what's fixable.
  
  

• Mutual effort—not perfection—is what makes a relationship worth rebuilding.
  
  

Resources:

Check out Danielle's website

Learn more about her group program RELATIONship-to-ENGAGEMENTship here

Book mentioned in episode: Try Softer by Aundi Kolber