We all want a relationship that's more than just functional, we want one that's truly fulfilling. On today's episode Forrest is joined by a wonderful therapist and author who focuses on giving people the tools they need to communicate, navigate hard times, and create deeper connections with other people: Elizabeth Earnshaw. They explore: 

• How the pandemic impacted our relationships
• The Gottman approach
• The stages of a relationship
• Balancing differing needs for intimacy
• How to request, and give, repair.

They then close the episode with a fun game focused on debunking common relationship myths.

About our Guest: Elizabeth is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the founder of A Better Life Therapy, and the author of I Want This to Work. You might also know her as @lizlistens on Instagram, where she’s helped countless people transform their relationships.

From Dr. Hanson: The Foundations of Well-Being brings together the lessons of a lifetime of practice into one year-long online program. Our holiday sale is going on now, and podcast listeners can use the code BEINGWELL25  for another 25% off! Please don't hesitate to apply for a scholarship if you're in need. 

Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You  can watch this episode on YouTube.

Key Topics:

0:00: Introduction.

1:45: Elizabeth’s background.

5:30: How did the pandemic impact relationships?

7:30: Responding to stress in relationships.

9:00: Co-regulation.

11:15: Punishing others for our unpleasant emotions. 

13:45: The four stages of relationships.

17:50: What to look for in a partner. 

20:10: The “Four Horsemen” of bad relationship communication. 

24:25: Key skills for navigating conflict together. 

27:00: How to request repair from your partner.

34:10: Deciding if you should leave.

37:45: Interdependence.

41:30: Balancing differing needs for intimacy.

46:30: The Instagram Meme Game: Common misconceptions about relationships.

47:30: “Partners should share everything with each other.”

50:30: “Your partner should be your ride or die.”

52:15: “Never go to bed angry.”

54:50: “My partner is my missing piece.”

56:35: “If you can’t handle me on my worst day, you don’t deserve me on my best day.”

1:02:05: Recap.

Support the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.

Sponsors:

From Boston Globe Media comes a new podcast, TURNING POINTS, a show about navigating mental health. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Find the new CBD+ performance gummies and the whole dosist health line-up today at dosisthealth.com. Use promo code BEINGWELL20 for 20% off your purchase. 

Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month! 

Want to sleep better? Try the legendary Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.

Connect with the show:

• Subscribe on iTunes
• Follow Forrest on YouTube
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow Forrest on Instagram
• Follow Rick on Facebook
• Follow Forrest on Facebook
• Visit Forrest's website

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices