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Published Dec 10, 2018

#005: Breaking Relationship Blocks with Vienna Pharaon

Marriage and family therapist Vienna Pharaon debunks common marriage myths and discusses with host Mark Groves strategies like 'Annual General Meetings' to foster communication and growth in relationships.
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  • Annual Meetings

    Regular 'Annual General Meetings' (AGMs) can be a transformative practice for couples. explains that these meetings help partners check in on their relationship, set goals, and ensure they are moving in the same direction 1. Without such check-ins, couples may find themselves drifting apart, leading to unresolved issues and distress. emphasizes the importance of maintaining individuality while nurturing the relationship 1.

    It's hard enough to navigate one human life, let alone to navigate two, and keep them in the same direction in some sense.

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    These AGMs can prevent the buildup of 'air' in the relationship, which can cause it to crash and burn if left unchecked.

       

    Goal Setting

    During these AGMs, couples create and share their individual and joint goals. shares a practice where partners write down their goals and read them aloud to each other, fostering transparency and mutual support 2. This ritual not only helps in aligning their paths but also opens up a space for honest feedback. notes that such structured communication can reduce defensiveness and make partners more receptive to each other's needs 2.

    When you have this set in motion, you know that you are receiving information.

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    This approach ensures that both individual and couple's needs are met, creating a supportive environment for growth.

       

    Communication

    Effective communication is crucial for a healthy relationship. emphasizes that regular feedback helps couples feel heard and connected, steering their relationship in a positive direction 3. Addressing issues as they arise prevents the buildup of negativity, which can otherwise lead to resentment. compares this to corporate culture, where unaddressed issues can undermine the entire system 3.

    When we drop our negativity threshold and start labeling and acknowledging what we're experiencing, it moves out.

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    By lowering the negativity threshold, couples can maintain a healthier, more open dynamic.

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