Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2131: Sara Stanizai's article, "Setting Boundaries vs. Giving an Ultimatum Part 1," delves into the crucial yet intricate task of setting boundaries, an essential aspect of personal development and healthy relationships. Stanizai underscores the fine line between demanding and asking, advocating for a balanced approach to setting limits that protect and hold individuals accountable. This insightful exploration provides readers with practical strategies for establishing boundaries that are not just firm but flexible, adapting to varying situations and relationships. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.prospecttherapy.com/blog/2020/9/27/setting-boundaries-vs-giving-an-ultimatum Quotes to ponder: "Boundaries are not only about other people's behavior but they're about keeping your behaviors in check, too." "The boundary isn't about the other person - it's about me." "Boundaries, within reason, are a great way to set standards in your relationships, and keep yourself accountable for your behaviors, too." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2130: Discover how Ryan Frederick's insights from Here.life enlighten us on the pivotal role of social fitness in our well-being. Social fitness goes beyond simple friendships, embodying the art of successful interaction and relationship building across various social contexts. As society shifts towards isolation, Frederick highlights environmental influences on social fitness and proposes life stage-specific antidotes to foster stronger community ties, urging us to value the place we live in as a tool for enhancing our social connections. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.here.life/blog/how-does-your-environment-impacting-social-fitness Quotes to ponder: "Social fitness is the ability to interact successfully with others, build and maintain positive relationships, and adapt to different social contexts." "Good relationships keep us healthier and happier. Period." Episode references: Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert Putnam: https://www.amazon.com/Bowling-Alone-Collapse-American-Community/dp/0743203046 The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger: https://www.harvard.com/book/the_good_life/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2129: Dr. Kelly Flanagan discusses the underestimated threat that mundane tasks, like dirty dishes, pose to marriages. By weaving a narrative around ordinary family life and the pursuit of storybook endings, Flanagan reveals how embracing the monotony inherent in marriage and viewing it as an opportunity to discover joy and wonder can actually strengthen relationships. This insightful piece encourages readers to find beauty and gratitude in the repetitive tasks that bind the tapestry of family life together. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drkellyflanagan.com/why-dirty-dishes-are-the-biggest-threat-to-your-marriage/ Quotes to ponder: "Dirty dishes have killed more marriages than extramarital affairs ever did. Because they're boring, repetitive, monotonous." "If we want to discover breathtakingly beautiful love and sacrificial living, we will need to learn how to stay in our boredom long enough to unearth the riches buried just beneath the surface of our monotony." "Gratitude. That love is just a word, but a clean bowl is love and sacrifice in action." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2128: In Kalen Bruce's enlightening piece for FreedomSprout.com, he invites us to reconsider the common, yet often unnecessary, habit of apologizing for aspects of our lives that merely reflect our humanity and personal circumstances. From the state of our homes and cars to our financial capabilities and personal boundaries, Bruce offers a liberating perspective on embracing our authentic selves without the burden of guilt. His message encourages a shift towards self-acceptance and intentional communication, promoting a healthier, guilt-free way of interacting with the world. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://freedomsprout.com/stop-apologizing/ Quotes to ponder: "The attitude of 'that's just how I am, take it or leave it' is still a sign of immaturity. As an adult, it's your responsibility to figure out which of your traits are toxic and to eventually learn how to fix them." "We could all apologize less and show more grace to others in these situations." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2127: Evan Marc Katz delves into the pitfalls of prioritizing physical attractiveness and intellect over emotional compatibility in relationships. Sharing personal anecdotes and professional insights, Katz illuminates the often overlooked aspects of partnership that contribute to lasting happiness. He advocates for a balanced approach to choosing a partner, emphasizing the importance of shared values and life goals over superficial traits. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.evanmarckatz.com/blog/chemistry/why-chasing-attraction-is-a-losing-strategy-in-love Quotes to ponder: "Attraction is not a choice, but choosing a partner based on attraction alone is a choice destined for disappointment." "Compatibility, often overshadowed by chemistry, should stand equally tall in the realm of relationship foundations." "The happiest relationships are those where love whispers louder than attraction." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2126: Chris Libby and Thomas Lickona delve into the pressing issue of instilling kindness in children, emphasizing the crucial role of parental influence and moral authority. They propose six practical strategies for fostering a compassionate and respectful family environment. By adopting these methods, parents can lay a strong foundation for their children's moral development, ensuring they grow into considerate and grateful individuals. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://livehappy.com/relationships/6-ways-to-raise-kinder-kids/ Quotes to ponder: "Creating a family mission statement gives your children a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves." "Gratitude is an act of kindness and ingratitude is an act of unkindness" "We should teach our children what gratitude means and why thankfulness is important." Episode references: How to Raise Kind Kids by Thomas Lickona: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-raise-kind-kids-thomas-lickona/1126791895 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2125: Dr. Laura Markham offers transformative insights on navigating tough conversations with children at Aha Parenting.com. By prioritizing understanding, managing personal emotions, and fostering a safe environment, Markham demonstrates how conflicts become opportunities for growth and deeper connection. Her approach challenges parents to shift perspectives, ensuring that each difficult dialogue strengthens the bond with their child. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ahaparenting.com/read/conversations-kids Quotes to ponder: "Starting out on the offensive will only slam the doors of communication. If you can control your emotions and keep the conversation safe, your child may be able to stop being defensive and start sharing." "Don't take it personally. This isn't really about you. It's about them: their tangled up feelings, their difficulty controlling themselves, their immature ability to understand and express their emotions." "Remember that more than one perspective can be true at once. Assume your child has a reason for her views or behavior. It may not be what you would consider a good reason, but she has a reason." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2124: Dr. Marni Feuerman, in collaboration with Gottman.com, offers a deep dive into the complexities of handling conflict in relationships, emphasizing that a significant portion of disputes are perpetual and unsolvable. Through "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" by Dr. John Gottman, Feuerman underscores the importance of managing rather than eliminating conflict, providing readers with practical blueprints for navigating the inevitable challenges that arise in partnerships, fostering understanding, growth, and a stronger bond. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/managing-vs-resolving-conflict-relationships-blueprints-success/ Quotes to ponder: "69% of problems in a relationship are unsolvable." "Discussing them is constructive and provides a positive opportunity for understanding and growth." "Moving from gridlock to dialogue involves examining the meaning and dreams that form the basis for each partner's steadfast perspective." Episode references: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0553447718 Aftermath of a Fight or Regrettable Incident booklet: https://www.lifeworkspsychotherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Aftermath-of-a-Fight-or-Regrettable-Incident-Eri-Kardos.pdf The Marriage Minute newsletter from Gottman Institute: https://www.gottman.com/marriage-minute/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2123: In Ingrid Y. Helander's enlightening piece, "Your Worsening Worry Wants Your Help to De-Stress," the author sheds light on the transformative power of acknowledging and naming your worries. Through a compassionate and insightful approach, Helander guides us to a better understanding and management of our stress and anxiety, illustrating the profound benefits of forming a relationship with our internal experiences to promote healing and resilience. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ingridyhelanderlmft.com/your-worsening-worry-wants-your-help-to-de-stress/ Quotes to ponder: "Names provide definition, meaning and most importantly a calm connection." "Creating a name and relationship with the parts of you that are stressed out does not increase the worry. In fact, it calms anxiety and empowers you to be helpful." "This is the beginning of your journey together with your worry, anxiety and stress. Remember that no part of you is trying to hurt you." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2122: In "Are You Addicted To Your Ex? To Love? Or Are You Still Grieving?" by Dr. Margaret Rutherford, delve into the emotional complexities of holding onto past relationships. Dr. Rutherford expertly guides readers through the dangers of yo-yo relationships, love addiction, and the struggle to emotionally divorce, providing insights on recognizing the difference between normal grieving and a detrimental inability to let go. This article is a must-read for anyone finding themselves stuck in the past, offering valuable perspectives on moving forward with strength and clarity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drmargaretrutherford.com/are-you-addicted-to-your-ex-to-love-or-are-you-still-grieving/ Quotes to ponder: "Love addicts live in a chaotic world of desperate need and emotional despair." "Healthy relationships don't complete your life. They enhance your already fulfilled life." "Forgiveness is key. Both of you must take responsibility for your end of whatever caused the break-up; this is vital for a relationship to reemerge." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices