The grass is greener with that other person! I used to think this quietly in my mind all the time, no matter who I was with. In this episode, I share my personal drama with this mentality and what it’s really about. Not only that, I offer something to help you get through it. It might just make you more likely to commit to the one you’re with.
SHOWNOTES
Jayson shares his personal story about leaving relationships when the going got tough. [8:45]
The kinds of partners who will more likely have a “grass is greener” mentality. [11:00]
How closeness and space impact ambivalence. [13:00]
Will a new partner solve the current problem or bad feelings I’m having? [16:15]
Jayson’s recommendation if you’re wanting to jump from relationship to relationship. [18:00]
When the grass really is greener over there and it might be time to exit. [21:15]
It’s really normal to experience jealousy, depression, anger, intense attraction and so much more when you find yourself in a good relationship. Our relationships trigger the deepest of human emotions and experiences. In this episode, I answer some fun, very painful, and challenging questions from you the listener. Notice how all of these questions may bring up stuff from your past or present relationship and see if you can find the nugget in each question that you can learn something from.
SHOWNOTES
What’s really happening when someone says “you make me feel X”. [6:45]
Is it a mistake to stay with my husband who is a functioning alcoholic? [9:30]
How to deal with premature ejaculation after you’re married? [12:15]
One factor that will guarantee your relationship is doomed. [15:30]
How to get your boyfriend to talk more when all he wants is occasional texting? [16:30]
Can a guy be emotionally mature if he doesn’t like to talk about his feelings five months into a relationship? [18:15]
When a partner struggles with depression, how do deal with a big transition when moving to a new country? [21:45]
A partner goes MIA after his mother dies, does this mean the relationship over? [25:45]
Is there a limit to being too open and honest with your partner? [30:30]
Jealousy when your boyfriend has a lot of interaction with other women on Facebook? [34:00]
The best way to eliminate anger? [37:00]
Best approach for a couple that is going to be long-distance for two years? [40:30]
Personality disorders and loving yourself? [42:45]
How to regain trust when a partner refuses to open up? [47:15]
It is possible to rewire your brain in relationships and build inner strength. In fact, if you don’t work toward this, you’ll be in trouble down the road when the allostatic load catches up to you later in life. In this episode I interview Dr. Rick Hanson. He’s a passionate expert on mindfulness, the brain, neuroscience and relationships. We geek out on the intricacies of the brain but he also brings some very practical tools and insights on how we can improve our relationships by using the natural genius of our mind. Lots of notes to take on this one! Hang in there. It can get dense.
SHOWNOTES
Why Jayson was anti-marriage until age 34 [2:00]
How did Dr. Hanson get so passionate about brain science and relationships? [11:00]
A Native American story about love and hate [13:00]
Why is so difficult for couples to work their shit out? [17:30]
What are two lessons from the wiring of our ancestors’ nervous systems? [19:30]
Two practices to rewire your brain to build your inner psychological strength [22:00]
How to stop the negativity train of our mind when we’re already triggered [25:00]
Tips for developing ourselves before we get into a fight with our partners [32:30]
What happens in our brains when we are triggered by our partner? [46:00]
How being chronically frustrated, lonely, let down, disconnected impacts the brain and body. [51:30]
The ratio between positive interactions and negative interactions [60:00]
A 10-day challenge to the listener on how to radically shift the dynamic in your relationship. [65:00]
Saying “I’m sorry” is one way to try to repair after a relationship challenge, but it’s exceptionally limited. Not learning a new way to repair is like driving your car without tires. It works and can even get you places, but you’ll go so much further if you learn this one. Roll up your sleeves as I have a good challenge for you in this episode.
SHOWNOTES
Why regular apologies are weak. [9:00]
What you need to do instead of just saying “I’m sorry.” [13:45]
A perspective that will empower you when you’re triggered by your partner. [16:00]
Relationships get hard. But how do you know when hard is too freakin’ hard? And, what do you do about it? In this episode my wife and I explore a very common complaint about long-term relationships, especially after the initial honeymoon phase wears off. Are you making your relationship hard or are you making it easy? Believe it or not, you are in the driver’s seat on this.
SHOWNOTES
How do you know when your relationship is too hard? [5:30]
The decision Jayson made that was crucial to his relationship. [15:00]
Does Ellen ever feel that motherhood is too hard? [17:00]
The perspective that matters most in a relationship [18:45]
How to work through conflict in a relationship? [20:15]
What about working through conflict on your own, without your partner or community? [22:30]
