Kristal is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in marriage, family, relationships and men’s issues.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
01:34 Crystal's Key Pillars for a Successful Relationship: Safety
09:11 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Seeking Therapy
19:14 Balancing Emotional Availability and Traditional Masculine Roles
26:43 Recognizing Red Flags and Green Flags in Relationships
29:19 Dating for Companionship vs. Seeking a Life Partner
31:03 The Importance of Discussing Unsexy Topics
32:23 Religion and its Role in Relationships
35:02 Open Communication about Desires and Expectations
36:38 Increasing Emotional Connection with the 'Heartbeat Exercise'
52:52 Happiness and Life's Purpose: Feeling Enough and Being Open to Recalibration
Takeaways
Safety is a crucial aspect of a successful relationship, and it can be achieved through self-awareness, stability, self-regulation, and self-expression.
Men should prioritize self-awareness and seek therapy or coaching to develop emotional availability and vulnerability.
It is important for men to define the kind of partner they want and be aware of red flags and green flags when pursuing a relationship.
Developing an inner cheerleader can help counter the inner critic and promote self-compassion.
Men should focus on positive reinforcement and validation rather than self-criticism. The skills that make you a good dater are different from the skills that make you a good life partner.
Discussing unsexy topics like finances, children, and family values is crucial when building a life together.
Religion can be a significant factor in a long-term relationship.
Open communication about desires and expectations is essential.
The 'heartbeat exercise' (validate a point of pride, express care for a moment of pain, and be curious about each other's pleasurable experiences) can increase emotional connection in a relationship.
Happiness is feeling enough and having peace, while life's purpose is fluid and can change over time.
Kristal's Links:
https://www.instagram.com/atxtherapist/
https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Relationship-Field-Guide-Modern/dp/1959099027/
