What can you learn from divorced people and people who are married for a decade or two? What are the main differences? There are two and we cover them in this episode with author Mark Manson. We also explore how Mark navigated a big challenge with his now wife and why self-improvement and self-awareness are so essential to long-term partnership.

SHOWNOTES

• The fundamental issues people have in relationships [9:00]
• Why we need to communicate without blame [13:00]
• How to avoid ‘enmeshment’ and maintain a strong, independent identity [14:00]
• Three questions to ask to dig deeper into your emotional states [21:00]
• The HUGE difference between divorced people and happily married people [23:25]
• What do all long-term (20+ years) happily married people have in common? [24:00]
• One keystone value for a rock-solid, long-term marriage [27:00]
• What needs to be added to our schooling to prepare us for the real world [29:00]
• The ‘Self Awareness Onion’  [33:00]
• Three layers of self-awareness [34:00]

HELPFUL LINKS

• 5 Things That Should Be Taught In Every School
• 1500 People Give You All The Relationship Advice You’ll Ever Need
• 3 Unexpected Benefits of marriage
• BOOK: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

• Facebook – Jayson Gaddis Fan Page
• Monogamy & The Smart Couple – Facebook Group
• How to Leave A Podcast Review

GUEST BIO

Mark Manson is a blogger, author and entrepreneur. He specializes in writing personal development advice that doesn’t suck. His website MarkManson.net is read by over 2 million people each month. He lives in New York City.