
Diverging from the Relationship Escalator (Again)
From Solo – The Single Person’s Guide to a Remarkable Life by Dr. Peter McGraw
November 25, 2025 · 1h 25m · Episode 255
About this episode
This episode discusses the concept of the relationship escalator and how individuals can step off it.
New to Solo? Start here! This re-release from the early days of the pod covers a concept that comes up again and again—in the podcast and Peter McGraw’s book. The “relationship escalator” is the default path of dating, moving in, marrying, and merging lives. Amy Gahran , who coined the term, joins Peter to break it all down. We explore what the escalator is, why it’s so invisible, and how Solos step off it—through consensual non-monogamy, platonic partnerships, sexual friendships, or simply going Solo. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.petermcgraw.org/solo
People in this episode
Guest: Amy Gahran
Topics covered
- relationship escalator
- consensual non-monogamy
- platonic partnerships
- sexual friendships
- going Solo
Keywords
- dating
- relationships
- Solos
- invisible norms
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Solo, Solos
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