Posts tagged intimacy
Strength Through Our Differences
Strength Through Our Differences

When my husband and I first started dating 18 years ago, it was a common contention between us that he didn’t like to do the things I liked to do (eg. try new restaurants, travel to exotic places, etc). This created ongoing conflict. 

Variety may be “the spice of life,” but diversity supports our very existence. Biodiversity, cultural diversity, emodiversity (emotional diversity), all promote balance and resilience on our planet and in our relationships.

Though intellectually, as humans we understand there are inherent differences between us, we may experience conflict when those different beliefs, values, or priorities are expressed. 

Being able to honor ourselves as separate and different from others, including our intimate partners, is the foundation of a healthy relationship. This capacity to differentiate cultivates self-awareness, and fosters empathy, authenticity, and integrity.

Learn how to differentiate and discover the benefits of honoring our diverse experiences.

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People and RelationshipsErin Masondifferentiation, variety, relationships, healthy relationships, empathy, diversity, attachment, individuation, intimacy, connection, authenticity, resilience, emodiversity, self-awareness, curiosity, ambiguity, expansion, balance, conflict, codependence, dating, confidence, growth, love, let them, openness, self-expression, self-actualization
The Dance: How to Ask for Space Without Stepping on Each Other's Toes
The Dance: How to Ask for Space Without Stepping on Each Other's Toes

Overlapping work demands, social schedules, and family obligations can take a toll on our relationship with our partner. We may feel like we’ve lost connection. We may feel taken for granted. We may crave time alone or separate from our partner. How can we ask for what we need without potentially upsetting our partner? What if one person wants more time together and the other needs time apart? It can be painful when the needs of our partner conflict with our own needs. Yet the tension of conflicting needs and the process (“dance”) of discovering resolution can help us to recalibrate, reconnect, and ultimately establish a deeper level of intimacy.

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People and RelationshipsErin Masonboundaries, balance, couples, couples therapy, relationships, connection, discovery, healthy relationships, interdependence, independence, love, mutuality, perspective, security, secure relationship, trust, truth, transition, exploration, vulnerability, values, time, space, conflict, honesty, non-judgement, curiosity, self-awareness, communication, self-regulation, partner, attunement, intimacy