I think largely because of my age and COVID-induced introspection, my friends in recent months have turned their focus towards topics like emotional maturity and personal life. Discussions often come to relationships, dating apps, and friends who could pair up. Those in relationships live vicariously through those that are single. As anything that really matters, a relationship is something that needs a lot of work to be put in. Happy endings never happen by chance, they happen because two people trust each other so much and are willing to do the work to build a life together, with its highs and lows. While the expectations for marriage and partnership have never been higher, and the challenges have never been greater, it isn’t a coin toss. It’s not chance. It’s choice.”

Think about all the times we’ve had sex. What are some of your favorites? What about that time made it your favorite?” During this conversation, you’ll learn about what you and your partner have in common, how you differ from one another (i.e. my husband is a total extrovert while I much prefer quiet time at home… cue conflict!), and how you manage the conflicts that arise from your differences. The book suggests holding this date in a quiet, peaceful place where you can speak privately. The eight most important elements of a successful marriage are fidelity, good sex, division of chores, adequate income, good housing, shared religious beliefs, shared interests, and children.

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The advise given herein is absolutely correct and beneficial from a Conscious perspective, giving the reader the tools of intentional and unconditional positive regard for our Self and Others. Eg non judgementally. Navigating the challenges of long-term commitment takes effort - and it just got simpler, with this empowering, step-by-step guide to communicating about the things that matter most to you and your partner. Drawing on 40 years of research from their world-famous Love Lab, Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman invite couples on eight fun, easy, and profoundly rewarding dates, each one focused on a make-or-break issue: trust, conflict, sex, money, family, adventure, spirituality, and dreams. One way or another, the difference between separation and life-long happiness is measurable in intimate discussions. Well, these are the eight that matter the most. 12min Tip During this conversation, you’ll discuss how each of you likes to have fun (individually and as a couple) and how you can infuse more play and adventure into your relationship together. This week’s conversation is all about strengthening the level of trust and commitment in your relationship.

Das Ding ist: ich glaube, wir sind absolut nicht die Zielgruppe für dieses Buch. Es gab kein Thema, was wir in den letzten 3 Jahren nicht schon mehrfach besprochen hätten. Vielleicht liegt es daran, dass wir als Gen Z couple im Vergleich zu älteren Generationen schon durch social media, höhere Akzeptanz für sowas wie Psychotherapie und generell mehr Offenheit für intime Themen früher gelernt haben, dass man über Gefühle sprechen und sich selbst reflektieren sollte? Don‘t know. Wir haben das erste Gespräch geführt und dann damit aufgehört. Ich habe das Buch alleine zu Ende gelesen und es entstand bei mir kein Gesprächsbedarf. Sex and Intimacy. Romantic, intimate rituals of connection keep a relationship happy and passionate. Couples who talk about sex have more sex, but talking about sex is difficult for the majority of couples—it gets easier and more comfortable the more you do it. Amazing things happen in relationships when a couple can change and grow and accommodate the growth of the other person,” write the authors of “Eight Dates.” It’s as simple as this: “when you create meaning out of the struggles you face together, you stay together.” Try to achieve this by discussing each other’s growth several times a year, and by creating shared rituals of sacredness. Be humble and curious: whatever your partner’s idea about what growth and spirituality are, you’re there to understand and accept it, and not to prove that your ways are the right ones. Date No. 8: A lifetime of love – dreams Play is a vital component of a relationship. Couples who play together, stay together. This includes experiencing laughter, excitement, anxiety, and curiosity, both separately and together.

Fun and adventure—Playfulness keeps a relationship fun! Do you make time for play and adventures together? There is SO MUCH interesting info in this book! I know not everyone is going to froth at the mouth over learning how couples interact with each other, but I seriously couldn’t get enough. It’s all so interesting to me, discovering what is “normal” and what actually creates a lasting connection, especially when it doesn’t necessarily match up with what I expected. Some of my favorite insights: Before meeting for our first date, Mike and I had to individually read through a list of potential reasons we cherish each other and circle the ones we agreed with. For Mike, I chose things like "You have supported my own personal goals" and "You understand my sense of humor." Then, when we convened at our local park, we shared our lists out loud. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to share the same religious beliefs or anything like that — it’s more about finding shared meaning through life’s obstacles. Conversations & Goals