Scientific research makes it clear that the quality of one's relationships not only impacts mental health and overall life satisfaction but even one's physical health. Our relationships are really strong predictors of overall longevity and happiness. Just the ability to be in a peaceful relationship with someone changes the way you feel about your entire day. But what is often overlooked is the fact that the quality of our relationships is dependent upon our own sense of self. Our level of self-development impacts how we show up in the key relationships that we are involved in. This is especially true in the marriage relationship. In this episode, we discuss these concepts with Dr. Jennifer Finalyson-Fife, a highly respected and popular clinical therapist, educator, and mental health coach. We discuss how to develop a stronger sense of self, and how to grow out of a validation-based relationship into a deeper, more honest intimacy.
