This series was originally created as a Masterclass for The Times and Sunday Times Life Lessons Festival in London, UK 2022. In part 2 of Surviving Intimacy, we explore what it takes to keep love steady, especially in the early phases of relationship when we’re getting to know someone new. I share a story about how one woman overcame her fear of intimacy and begin to date with confidence and joy – yes, even joy! – for the first time in her life. And you’ll be left with some questions to sit with about what it is that would keep you, in love. .... Why are intimate relationships so intense? Why is love so hard to find? And once found so hard to keep? And once kept so hard to survive, never mind thrive in? From the disappointment of endless dating and constant swiping, to the destabilizing precariousness of early stage relationships, to the imminent frustration and tedious boredom of long term love. 
 We might begin to ask ourselves if intimate relationships are even worth it. And then we remember what they promise. If we could meet real love in a way that feels natural and easy, love that gives a sense of trust, safety and security in a challenging and ever changing world. If we could feel the nourishment of deep, meaningful connection, and the richness and excitement of learning and growing together. If we could experience the deliciousness of passion and the sparkle of erotic desire that adds so much aliveness and dimension to life Then yes, we would answer that relationships are absolutely worth it. 
 But all of that is no small ask. In this 3 part series on thriving in intimacy, we'll consider: PT 1: FINDING LOVE - What it takes to find love on or offline. - How to meet your person in a way that feels natural and easy - Dissolving the things from the past that keep us from meeting our person. PT 2: KEEPING LOVE - The delicate dance of closeness and distance in intimate relationships - Preparing your body, heart, mind and soul for long-term love - What ‘healthy’ looks like in intimate relationships PT 3: THRIVING IN LOVE LONG-TERM - The skills and tools needed to make love and passion last over time - How self-awareness and self-knowing allow for healthy adult relating - And how to attain the awareness, skills and tools that long-term love asks for Andrea Balboni is a certified Sex Love and Relationship Coach and founder of Lush Coaching. She helps smart successful heart-centered humans experience pleasure and fulfillment in their personal intimate lives and romantic relationships. From finding real love naturally and easily, to keeping it and deepening into healthy relationships, to thriving in passion and pleasure over the long-term, Andrea supports individuals and couples in all phases of love and relationships. Connect with Andrea here: Coming up this September Roadmap to Relationships - a group coaching programme on How to Find, Keep and Thrive in Love. Enrolment is open now. DM / email me to join the waitlist: andrea.lush.coach@gmail.com https://www.lushcoaching.com/relationship-roadmap One-to-one Private Coaching - a limited number of spots are open. DM/email me to learn more and sign up. andrea.lush.coach@gmail.com Online Masterclass: Learn to find real love and have a committed, long-term relationship. Tickets available on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/find-love-keep-it-and-thrive-in-it-how-to-create-love-that-lasts-tickets-409448500487 Other ways to connect with Andrea: Receive weekly Love Letters Sign up for deep wisdom and practical skills and tools https://www.lushcoaching.com/free Work with me Book in a 30 minute consultation call with Andrea Let’s stay connected Continue the conversation on Instagram at @andreabalboni_lush Show us the love And if you love the show, please leave us a rating and review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts. For more wisdom, insight, tools and practices on dating and relationships, pleasure and sex come visit lushcoaching.com Thank you!