What if everything you thought a relationship was supposed to look like was just... a story someone else wrote for you? Lisa sits down with the refreshingly honest Melissa McClure — twice-divorced, bisexual, polyamorous, burlesque performer, serial entrepreneur, and San Diego-based truth-teller — for a conversation that will challenge everything you assumed about love, loyalty, jealousy, and how "family" can look different than you might be used to.

Whether you're divorce-curious, newly single, or just quietly wondering if there's more out there for you — this one's for you.

In This Episode You'll Hear:

• The "light bulb moment" that changed everything — how Melissa found her truth and what she did next
• A glossary you didn't know you needed — ENM, polyamory vs. open relationships, kitchen table polyamory, parallel polyamory, metas, and more
• The #1 red flag on dating apps that tells you someone is just cheating (hint: three words)
• Why polyamory doesn't break marriages — it just reveals the cracks that were already there
• Why intentional "relationship check-ins" might be the most underrated tool in any relationship, monogamous or not
• Leveling up in midlife — why women in perimenopause are outgrowing their marriages, and what to do with that

Key Takeaways & Actionable Insights

1. Know your terms before you act. If you're considering opening your relationship, do the research first. Melissa recommends books and podcasts specifically on ethical non-monogamy — going in without education is how you end up with five partners and a struggling business.
2. Jealousy is data, not a verdict. Instead of weaponizing jealousy, try using it as a mirror. Ask yourself: what need is going unmet right now? Then use your words.
3. Run from "don't ask, don't tell." If someone on a dating app claims to be in an open relationship but uses this phrase — that's not ethical non-monogamy. That's cheating with extra steps.
4. Set the rules of engagement — then revisit them. Every relationship, no matter the structure, benefits from intentional check-ins. When did you last ask your partner (or yourself): is this still working?
5. Opening a struggling marriage won't save it. A Hail Mary pass into polyamory typically accelerates the breakdown, not the healing. The relationship foundation has to be solid first.

Connect with Melissa McClure Instagram: @melissamcclure.co 🎵 TikTok: @meldell Melissa shares openly about perimenopause, divorce, polyamory, and life design

Connect with Lisa Mitchell Website: lisamitchell.biz 📲 Everywhere: @divorcecurioushelp 💡 Download The "Evaluate Your Marriage" Workbook: Lisa's self-paced relationship evaluation guide is now live on her website — a great starting point if today's episode gave you things to think about.

Loved this episode? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts — it helps more divorce-curious people find this community.

#DivorceСurious #Polyamory #EthicalNonMonogamy #Perimenopause #Divorce #MidlifeWomen #OpenRelationship #SoloLiving #RelationshipAdvice #LivingYourTruth

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