Bringing the best version of oneself is key to succeed in any relationship.
Acknowledging and appreciating each other's experiences and needs prevents resentment in relationships.
Using tools like 'Where Should We Begin: A Game of Stories' can foster deeper connections and understanding in relationships.
Deep dives
Creating Thriving Relationships
In this podcast episode, Estelle Perrell discusses the keys to having thriving relationships. She emphasizes that success in a relationship should not be solely measured by its longevity, but rather by the ability to bring the best of oneself to the partnership. Perrell highlights the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of the relationship, as well as taking responsibility for one's mistakes and showing vulnerability. She also discusses the challenges that arise during the transition to parenthood and the need for balance between caring for the children and nurturing the couple's relationship. By prioritizing the health of the relationship and focusing on open communication, understanding, and mutual support, couples can create a thriving and fulfilling partnership.
Liberating Relationships from Resentment
Perrell addresses the issue of resentment in relationships and provides insights on how to prevent its accumulation. She highlights the importance of acknowledging and validating each other's experiences and needs within the relationship. Perrell suggests fostering a mindset of appreciation and expressing gratitude for the positive contributions each partner makes. She explains that resentment often arises when one feels their needs and feelings are dismissed or invalidated by their partner. By creating a safe space where both partners can openly share their thoughts and emotions without judgment, couples can build healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
Playful and Intimate Connection
Perrell introduces her new card game, 'Where Should We Begin: A Game of Stories,' which she created to stimulate playful and intimate conversations in relationships. The game prompts participants to share personal stories and memories, fostering deeper connections and understanding. Perrell emphasizes the importance of curiosity, spontaneity, and playfulness in relationships, and suggests using the game as a tool to explore each other's stories and go beyond surface-level conversations. She shares examples of prompts from the game, such as recalling childhood memories, expressing gratitude to each other, and discussing personal desires and fears. By engaging in meaningful conversations and creating space for vulnerability and authentic sharing, couples can build stronger bonds and keep their relationships thriving.
Maintaining a thriving relationship
In order to have a thriving relationship, it is important to understand and care about what the other person is fighting for and struggling with. A relationship can thrive even with differences in core values, as long as there is a strong core of shared values and a willingness to reach out to the other person while maintaining one's own integrity. Curiosity, playfulness, and imagination are essential for maintaining aliveness and vibrancy in a relationship. Humor also plays a significant role in defusing conflicts and keeping the relationship light-hearted.
Physical intimacy in a relationship
Physical intimacy plays a crucial role in a thriving relationship. While the absence of sex may not necessarily indicate the end of emotional connection, physical touch and intimacy are important for emotional well-being. Some relationships may evolve into more companionate and affectionate ones, where sexual intimacy is no longer a priority. However, if one person in the relationship longs for physical connection and the other does not value it, it can lead to a significant issue that needs to be addressed.
Do you want better, deeper, more intimate relationships?
If yes, you are going to LOVE this conversation.
Esther Perel is a relationship guru, and while she views herself as a student of relationships, she is unquestionably at the top of the class. She's now sharing all of her knowledge and advice on how to succeed in any relationship we choose by being the best version of ourselves.
We live in a time when many relationships and marriages aren’t thriving or lasting and on the other hand, dating has become more stressful rather than something to get excited about. More than ever, we need love. We really have to rediscover the allure, excitement, and even serendipity of love.
Esther is here to share her knowledge and show us how to make dating fun, improve and deepen our relationships, and so much more. Regardless of whether you're single or in a relationship, this episode will be a game changer for you.
About Esther Perel
Psychotherapist Esther Peral is a relationship and love expert recognized as one of today's most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. She is a best-selling author, TED speaker, and the host of the hit podcasts Where Should We Begin? and How's Work? Additionally, she speaks nine languages and coaches couples around the world. Most recently, she launched her extraordinary card game 'Where Should We Begin: A Game of Stories,' a card game that is reshaping and deepening relationships all over the world.
In this episode we chat about:
Her tips on how to thrive in all relationships (4:04)
How to keep the romance alive and the honeymoon phase forever (8:53)
How to let go of resentment (13:26)
How to take your relationship to the next level and make it so much juicier (17:07)
How to move past conflict with as much easy and grace as possible (25:29)
The ecology and dynamics of a relationship and how to keep the relationship alive and thriving (29:00)
How to make dating fun and soul-nourishing (38:58)
Why she created the card game Where Should We Begin: A Game of Stories (45:25)
