Diverging from the Relationship Escalator (Again)

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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