Coach Craig Kenneth, relationship expert and coach, discusses important questions to ask before committing to a relationship, the impact of social media on relationships, the importance of respect, the gendered aspect of compromise, and finding balance and sexual compatibility in relationships.
Compatibility and respect are crucial in a relationship, assessing shared values and the ability to make compromises.
Effective communication and trust are key elements, including open and respectful communication during disagreements and equal distribution of influence within the relationship.
Deep dives
Questions to Ask Before Commitment
It is important to ask certain questions before committing to a relationship. These questions help determine if your partner makes you a better person and vice versa, if you both are comfortable with sharing feelings and relying on each other, if you accept each other without trying to change, if you communicate respectfully during disagreements, if decision-making power is shared, if your partner is your best friend, if you think in terms of 'we' and 'us' rather than 'you' and 'I', if trust and openness exists in terms of social media and bank account passwords, if you have a good opinion of each other without having an over-inflated positive view, if there are no red flags like cheating, jealousy, or controlling behavior, if you share the same values on important topics like politics, religion, marriage, having kids, and parenting, if you are willing to sacrifice for each other without being a doormat, if you both have agreeable and emotionally stable personalities, and if you are sexually compatible.
Importance of Compatibility and Respect
Compatibility and respect are crucial in a relationship. It is important to assess whether you and your partner have shared values and can make compromises. Mutual respect and a healthy level of agreeableness contribute to the stability of a relationship. Additionally, it is essential to assess if both partners have emotionally stable personalities and can handle disagreements without resorting to negativity or contempt. Trust, openness, and the absence of red flags like cheating, jealousy, or controlling behavior are also important factors. Finally, sexual compatibility should be considered as it plays a significant role in maintaining intimacy.
The Impact of Communication and Trust
Effective communication and trust are key elements in a successful relationship. Open and respectful communication during disagreements is essential to resolve conflicts and grow together. Sharing decision-making power and ensuring an equal distribution of influence within the relationship promotes fairness and prevents power imbalances. Trust is crucial, not only in terms of fidelity but also in areas such as social media and finances. Finally, it is important to recognize that relationships require effort and sacrifice from both partners, but this should never involve one person becoming a doormat and sacrificing their own needs or goals.
In this episode, we talk about some important knowledge to have about your partner and conversations to have before taking the next big step in your relationship.