If you’ve ever wished relationships came with a manual, this episode is the next best thing. Today on Peopling, we sit down with the incredible Colette Jane Fehr — a licensed psychotherapist whose journey from a deeply challenging marriage to becoming a relationship expert is nothing short of transformational.Together, we dig into the real stuff: why communication breaks down, how conflict actually works, and what emotional intelligence looks like in everyday moments — not just on paper. Colette brings the kind of honest, vulnerable wisdom that makes you exhale and think, “Oh… I’m not the only one.”You’ll learn why connection beats perfection every time, how to advocate for your needs without blowing up the room, and why vulnerability and assertiveness are a power duo in any relationship. And yes — she gives homework (the good kind).Whether you’re navigating love, friendships, family dynamics, or just trying to understand yourself a little better, this episode will help you communicate with more clarity, compassion, and confidence. Get ready to grow, laugh, feel seen, and pick up tools you can use today.Colette Jane Fehr is a licensed psychotherapist, relationship expert, TEDx speaker, co-host of the podcast Insights from the Couch: Real Talk at Midlife, and author of The Cost of Quiet—How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure Lasting Love. Her mission is to help people find emotional freedom by speaking and living their truth. Here is a link to purchase her book (release date is Feb 3, 2026): https://a.co/d/dVt12GaTakeawaysPeople matter more than things.It's less about the issues than the way people fight.You have to learn how to fight right.Identify what we're feeling at a given moment.You are going to be miserable if you don't speak up.We can't control our partner or anyone else.Listen with curiosity.Get your subscription to Growth Day, like having World-Class Coaches in your pocket! https://www.growthday.com/referrals?via=h6l0rtChapters00:00 The Importance of Connection Over Perfection02:59 Colette's Journey to Becoming a Relationship Expert05:52 Understanding Conflict in Relationships08:50 Tools for Effective Communication12:05 The Role of Emotions in Communication15:00 Navigating Difficult Conversations17:57 Empowerment Through Self-Advocacy20:47 Creating Change Through Connection23:39 Practical Steps for Better Communication26:57 The Ripple Effect of Kindness and Curiosity#relationships #communication #conflictresolution #emotionalintelligence #selfhelp #selfawareness #selfdiscovery #selfdevelopment #advocacy #connection #personalgrowth #therapy #vulnerability #assertiveness #relationshipgrowth #HealthyRelationships #relationshipskills #speakyourtruth #vulnerabilityisstrength #communicationskills #communicationmatters #ConnectionCulture#innerworkjourney #InnerHealingWork#HealingAndGrowing