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In this episode, my wife and I talk about some of the approaches and frameworks that have helped us improve and maintain our relationship for nearly a decade. We start off by addressing a question from a listener regarding her own relationship with a guy who doesn’t believe he should have to tailor his communication to suit her. We mostly refer to romantic relationships in the episode but most of the principles we discuss apply to all sorts of relationships.

Timeline of Topics & Tools covered

• Question from reader (2:00)

• Tool #1: 5 Love Languages (8:00)

• Tool #2: Love vs Power (11:30)

• Tool #3: Gottman method (14:00)

• Tool #4: The Four Tendencies (20:00)

• Tool #5: How important is this to you? (27:50)

• Tool #6: Analyzing other relationships (33:00)

• Tool #7: Big 5 Personality Model (37:30)

Selected links & resources

• The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

• The Gottman Method

• Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina

• The Four Tendencies

• Big 5 Personality podcast episode and blog post

• How to Raise Successful People by Esther Wojcicki

• ABC’s of Self-Development podcast episode

If you liked this episode, check out…

• Ep. 22: Think Grow Together: A Conversation With My Wife About Mental Health, Creativity, and Parenthood

• Ep. 23: How to Disagree Constructively

What did you think?

Leave me a review on iTunes with your biggest takeaway (I read them all). Or, drop me a comment below. I appreciate your feedback!

Ruben Chavez is a writer, personal development educator, and host of The Think Grow Podcast. He has created a community of over 3 million readers across his collective platforms, including his popular Instagram page ThinkGrowProsper. Along with this blog, these platforms are his way of inspiring and connecting with thoughtful, creative, and ambitious people just like you.