Learn about the 5 risk factors in communication within your relationship: criticism, defense, dismissive, gaslighting, and stonewalling.

Join me on my Empowered Communication Workshop: www.relationshipsuccesslab.com/workshops

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LinkedIn Dr Sarah Alsawy-Davies
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Website www.healtraumabonding.com
info@healtraumabonding.com

In this episode, we're diving into the complex topic of what it means to be a man, especially in 2024. You might think it's straightforward, but with all the mixed messages out there, it's anything but easy. Men often feel lost in a sea of conflicting expectations: be emotional, be strong, be a provider, but also be sensitive. It's like they're searching for an instruction manual in a world filled with contradictory messages.

Historically, men have been taught to suppress their emotions, leading to difficulties in expressing themselves and understanding their own feelings. This limited emotional range often results in either shutting down or resorting to aggression, causing strain in relationships. Women, on the other hand, may feel emotionally neglected or misunderstood, leading to frustration and distance.

This emotional disconnect can have serious consequences, impacting mental health and overall well-being. Men may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse or risky behavior to avoid facing their emotions. But ignoring these emotional needs only exacerbates the problem, leading to deeper rifts in relationships.

However, there's hope for change. Younger generations are more open to exploring emotions and breaking free from traditional gender roles. By fostering openness and embracing a balanced blend of masculinity and femininity, we can create healthier relationships and happier lives for everyone involved.

It's not about blaming men or setting unrealistic expectations; it's about fostering connection and understanding. By acknowledging and addressing these emotional needs, we can move towards a more fulfilling and harmonious way of being. So let's embrace openness and strive for a better understanding of ourselves and each other.

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Set yourself up for relationship success and get the best marriage advice. Whether you're surviving infidelity, solving relationship problems, improving your relationship, growing your self-worth and confidence amidst a trauma bond, here's the place to be.

Helping you to feel relationship empowered and set you up for relationship success.

LinkedIn Dr Sarah Alsawy-Davies
Instagram @dr.sarahalsawy
Website www.healtraumabonding.com
info@healtraumabonding.com

If you have been trauma bonded, in a relationship with someone with narcissistic tendencies, or have been in a battle where you feel belittled, controlled, criticised and coerced - this episode is for you.

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Set yourself up for relationship success and get the best marriage advice. Whether you're surviving infidelity, solving relationship problems, improving your relationship, growing your self-worth and confidence amidst a trauma bond, here's the place to be.

Helping you to feel relationship empowered and set you up for relationship success.

LinkedIn Dr Sarah Alsawy-Davies
Instagram @dr.sarahalsawy
Website www.healtraumabonding.com
info@healtraumabonding.com

Today, we're diving into the complex question: "Am I a good enough partner, and am I doing the right things in my relationship?" This issue arises frequently in my practice, often tangled with skewed perceptions of what constitutes good partnership. Many strive to please their partner, often at the cost of neglecting their own needs or engaging in harmful behaviors.

Short-term actions, aimed at avoiding discomfort or conflict, can lead to long-term dissatisfaction. For example, saying yes to every request to avoid confrontation may lead to resentment over time. Additionally, partners may evolve over time, and understanding this evolution is crucial for maintaining connection.

Effective communication, mentalizing (understanding your partner's perspective), and fostering emotional connection are key components of a healthy relationship. Recognizing when to have difficult conversations, avoiding defensiveness, and taking accountability for one's actions are also vital. Ultimately, the goal is to nurture mutual happiness and growth within the relationship, prioritizing both partners' well-being.

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Set yourself up for relationship success and get the best marriage advice. Whether you're surviving infidelity, solving relationship problems, improving your relationship, growing your self-worth and confidence amidst a trauma bond, here's the place to be.

Helping you to feel relationship empowered and set you up for relationship success.

LinkedIn Dr Sarah Alsawy-Davies
Instagram @dr.sarahalsawy
Website www.healtraumabonding.com
info@healtraumabonding.com

Today's discussion is going to delve into a tough topic, but it's crucial for understanding. I've personally experienced hurt from my partner, and I yearn for them to acknowledge my pain, apologize, and grasp the impact of their actions. This sentiment resonates widely, whether in ongoing relationships or after a breakup.

When we've been criticized, lied to, manipulated, or betrayed, it cuts deep, leaving us in agony. We seek validation, yearning for our suffering to be seen and recognized. This craving for acknowledgment stems from pouring our heart and soul into the relationship, only to be knocked down.

But here's the kicker: by fixating on our partner's validation, we inadvertently diminish our own pain. We grant them power over our emotions, waiting for an apology to affirm our suffering's validity. However, our pain is inherently valid, irrespective of external validation.

In relationships with narcissistic traits, awaiting apologies can be futile. These individuals struggle to empathize and may never acknowledge our pain. Even if they apologize, the sincerity is questionable. So, while momentary validation might soothe, it's fleeting.

Instead of clinging to external validation, we must validate our own emotions. By recognizing our pain's validity, we empower ourselves, paving the way for clearer relationship dynamics. Through honest communication and mutual understanding, we can address grievances and seek workable solutions.

Creating a safe space for dialogue allows both partners to express their perspectives without blame. Focusing on actions rather than labeling individuals fosters understanding and facilitates constructive resolutions. Ultimately, validating our own suffering enables us to set boundaries and navigate relationships with clarity and self-respect.

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Set yourself up for relationship success and get the best marriage advice. Whether you're surviving infidelity, solving relationship problems, improving your relationship, growing your self-worth and confidence amidst a trauma bond, here's the place to be.

Helping you to feel relationship empowered and set you up for relationship success.

LinkedIn Dr Sarah Alsawy-Davies
Instagram @dr.sarahalsawy
Website www.healtraumabonding.com
info@healtraumabonding.com

So, you're in a spot where you're putting in all this effort to make your partner happy, right? It feels like a constant uphill battle, and no matter what you do, it never seems enough. Sound familiar? Many of us have been there. It's like you're pouring yourself into every aspect of your life just to keep things afloat.

For example, you might be hustling hard at work, striving for that promotion or that big paycheck, all to provide for your family and keep them happy. But in the process, you're sacrificing your own well-being and sanity, dealing with demanding bosses or incompetent colleagues, feeling like you're stuck on a hamster wheel.

Or maybe you're constantly tending to the needs of your family and home, doing everything you can to create a peaceful environment for your partner, but it still feels like something's missing.

And then there's the pressure to look good, stay fit, and be perfect, all to keep your partner's attention and affection. But deep down, you know these surface-level efforts won't fix the underlying issues in your relationship.

You might even try to patch things up with grand gestures like vacations or expensive gifts, hoping they'll bring you closer together. But those moments of happiness are fleeting, and soon enough, you're back to square one, feeling disconnected and unfulfilled.

It's like you're stuck in a cycle of surface-level fixes that never address the real issues underneath. And all the while, you're avoiding the difficult conversations and emotions that could actually lead to growth and healing in your relationship.

But here's the thing: relationships take effort, no doubt about it. But it's not about just going through the motions or avoiding conflict. It's about truly seeing and understanding each other, even when it's uncomfortable. It's about prioritizing the long-term health and happiness of both yourself and your partner.

So, instead of getting caught up in the all-or-nothing mindset or brushing things under the rug, it's time to start having those hard conversations and making real efforts to connect on a deeper level. And if you need some guidance along the way, don't hesitate to reach out for support. It could be the first step towards a truly fulfilling relationship for both of you.

Support the Show.

Set yourself up for relationship success and get the best marriage advice. Whether you're surviving infidelity, solving relationship problems, improving your relationship, growing your self-worth and confidence amidst a trauma bond, here's the place to be.

Helping you to feel relationship empowered and set you up for relationship success.

LinkedIn Dr Sarah Alsawy-Davies
Instagram @dr.sarahalsawy
Website www.healtraumabonding.com
info@healtraumabonding.com

In this talk, I address the crucial issue of relationship dynamics, emphasizing the dichotomy between growth and stagnation. I assert that relationships are either flourishing, with mutual nurturing and attention, or deteriorating, marked by stagnation and mundanity. I highlight how distractions like children or caregiving can lead to neglect of the romantic relationship, often only realized when these distractions fade.

I emphasize the importance of continual growth and understanding in relationships. This involves actively learning about each other, engaging in shared activities, and open communication about needs and desires. I suggest approaching disagreements as opportunities for understanding rather than defensive battles. I stress the significance of empathy, mutual support, and the willingness to evolve together.

I warn against clinging to idealized versions of the past and encourage embracing the present reality. I advocate for intentional efforts to connect daily, prioritize each other's well-being, and collaborate on building a shared future. Ultimately, I conclude that nurturing understanding, empathy, and growth is essential for sustaining a fulfilling and healthy long-term relationship.

Support the Show.

Set yourself up for relationship success and get the best marriage advice. Whether you're surviving infidelity, solving relationship problems, improving your relationship, growing your self-worth and confidence amidst a trauma bond, here's the place to be.

Helping you to feel relationship empowered and set you up for relationship success.

LinkedIn Dr Sarah Alsawy-Davies
Instagram @dr.sarahalsawy
Website www.healtraumabonding.com
info@healtraumabonding.com

Today, I'll discuss a common question from struggling couples or individuals facing relationship challenges: "Am I the toxic one, or do I do toxic things that harm the relationship?" Let's unpack this idea of toxic behavior, acknowledging that nobody is entirely good or bad; we're all human, prone to mistakes and blind spots.

It's not about placing all blame on your partner or solely on yourself. Rather, it's about accountability and recognizing the role each person plays in relationship dynamics. We have the most control over ourselves, our actions, and our self-awareness.

Here are 10 toxic patterns to watch out for:

1. Feeling inherently superior or inferior to your partner, even if it's subtle.
2. Assuming the worst about your partner's capabilities or intentions, leading to defensiveness or disempowerment.
3. Keeping score of past grievances and using them in arguments, which prevents resolution.
4. Using manipulation or control tactics, overt or subtle, to influence your partner's behavior.
5. Embracing a victim mentality, seeking validation or rescue from your partner rather than taking responsibility.
6. Being addicted to drama, seeking reassurance through conflict or emotional upheaval.
7. Using sex as a way to gloss over unresolved issues, creating false intimacy.
8. Having a short temper with your partner due to a sense of safety and familiarity.
9. Putting emotional distance between you and your partner during conflict, or ignoring their attempts at reconciliation.
10. Ignoring or minimizing problems in the relationship, hoping they'll resolve on their own or expecting your partner to fix them.

Recognizing these behaviors is the first step toward fostering a healthier, more fulfilling relationship. It's about taking ownership of our actions, understanding our vulnerabilities, and actively working towards positive change.

Support the Show.

Set yourself up for relationship success and get the best marriage advice. Whether you're surviving infidelity, solving relationship problems, improving your relationship, growing your self-worth and confidence amidst a trauma bond, here's the place to be.

Helping you to feel relationship empowered and set you up for relationship success.

LinkedIn Dr Sarah Alsawy-Davies
Instagram @dr.sarahalsawy
Website www.healtraumabonding.com
info@healtraumabonding.com