Free Marriage Counseling: Conflict & Communication
Aug 7, 2023
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This podcast provides free marriage counseling, focusing on conflict, communication, and expectations. The speakers discuss the complexities of relationships, approaching decisions as a couple, taking a pause in arguments, the power of open-ended questions and creative prompts in communication, the value of individuality and open communication, and navigating conflict and communication.
Effective communication and setting clear expectations are crucial in a marriage, requiring open and honest conversations, active listening, and creating a safe space for difficult discussions.
Navigating fundamental differences and disagreements in a marriage can be an opportunity for growth and learning, emphasizing the importance of respect, setting boundaries, and approaching conflicts with grace and understanding.
Deep dives
Navigating Communication and Expectations
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the importance of effective communication and setting clear expectations in a marriage. They emphasize the need for open and honest conversations, asking each other the right questions, and actively listening to understand each other's perspectives. The hosts also highlight the significance of creating a safe space for difficult conversations, where both partners can feel heard and validated. They suggest avoiding a tit-for-tat mentality when it comes to responsibilities and tasks, and instead focus on giving 100% to the relationship without keeping score. The episode concludes with the reminder that conflict is natural and healthy, and navigating it together can lead to growth and deeper connection.
Handling Fundamental Differences and Disagreements
The hosts address the challenge of navigating fundamental differences and disagreements within a marriage. They encourage couples to appreciate the individuality each partner brings and to approach conflicting views as an opportunity for growth and learning. The hosts suggest that respectful debates and varying opinions can actually strengthen the relationship if handled with grace and understanding. They also highlight the importance of setting boundaries and establishing common non-negotiables when it comes to sensitive topics. Overall, the episode promotes open-mindedness, respect, and a shared commitment to personal and relational growth.
Avoiding Transactional Thinking and Prioritizing Connection
The hosts discuss the pitfall of transactional thinking in relationships, where partners keep score and expect reciprocity in responsibilities and tasks. They advise focusing on individual efforts and serving each other selflessly, rather than keeping a running tally of who did what. Additionally, the hosts emphasize the need for intentional connection and enjoyment in the relationship, beyond just managing logistics and responsibilities. They encourage couples to prioritize date nights, surprises, and maintaining a sense of fun and adventure. The episode concludes with a reminder that conflict is natural, and navigating it with grace and intention can lead to a deeper bond and a more fulfilling marriage.
Embracing Growth and Change Together
The hosts highlight the excitement and growth that come with navigating expectations, conflict, communication, and fundamental differences as a couple. They emphasize that marriage is a journey of continually getting to know and understand each other through different life stages and challenges. The hosts encourage couples to approach these challenges as opportunities for growth and discovery, rather than as obstacles. They emphasize the importance of individuality within the relationship and the need to support and embrace each other's passions and personal growth. Overall, the episode promotes a mindset of love, grace, and mutual support in building a strong and evolving marriage.
The #1 topic request I’ve received on this podcast has been people asking for an episode discussing marriage.
Committed long term relationships can be some of the most meaningful and most difficult things to navigate all at the same time.
I couldn’t do this theme solo so my guest is the LOML, Aaron Weits - my husband of nearly 11 years, lover for 16 years and best friend for 18 years.
We both are currently tied on the # of weddings we have been asked to officiate and, because of that, it means we have facilitated pre-marital counseling for a half a dozen couples. We broke down our 3 month curriculum into the highest level concepts to discuss either prior to getting married or after you’ve already tied the knot.
This first episode is all about conflict, communication & expectations and I hope you find some value in it.
What do you do when you disagree?
What are some boundaries to have in place during conflict?
How do you break out of a pattern of scorekeeping with one another?
Stay tuned for the second part of this “free marriage counseling” series which covers money & sex!