Summary

In this episode, Michael Preston and Thomas Westenholz discuss the three essential components of a healthy relationship: accessibility, responsiveness, and emotional engagement.

They explore how these elements contribute to a secure attachment between partners, emphasizing the importance of being present, attuned, and emotionally connected.

The conversation highlights practical examples and insights into how couples can foster these qualities to enhance their relationship dynamics.

For more, see the ⁠⁠Couples in Focus online course⁠⁠ or book a session with Thomas ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Takeaways

• Healthy relationships are built on accessibility, responsiveness, and emotional engagement.
• Accessibility means being there for your partner when they need you.
• Responsiveness is about attuning to your partner's needs and emotions.
• Emotional engagement involves sharing and feeling each other's emotional experiences.
• Predictability in a relationship fosters a sense of security.
• Attunement allows partners to understand each other's emotional worlds better.
• Text communication can hinder emotional attunement and understanding.
• Emotions are crucial for connection and relationship maintenance.
• Couples can develop a model of each other's needs over time.
• It's important to feel and express emotions in a relationship.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healthy Relationships

02:59 Accessibility in Relationships

05:54 Understanding Responsiveness

09:50 The Importance of Emotional Engagement