031: Developing Healthy Relationship Habits

Welcome to the Communicate and Connect Podcast for Military Relationships, hosted by the expert marriage counselor, Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky. In today's episode titled "Developing Healthy Relationship Habits," we're exploring the essential elements that contribute to strong, resilient partnerships—ideal for anyone preparing for marriage or looking to enhance their current relationship dynamics. As we continue our comprehensive series on getting ready for marriage, we'll delve into how crucial it is to transform relationship skills into ingrained habits that can withstand the test of time. Dr. Elizabeth Polinsky, drawing on her vast experience as a marriage counselor, shares insightful personal stories and proven strategies for turning everyday skills into automatic habits. This episode will emphasize the power of consistent repetition in habit formation and why it's crucial for the health of your relationship. Whether it's the simple act of saying "I feel" to express emotions, or making a habit of fully turning your attention to your partner during conversations, these practical steps can significantly impact your relationship satisfaction. We'll also explore the effectiveness of emotionally focused couples therapy, a method Dr. Polinsky is certified in, which aids couples in embedding these vital skills into their relationships for the long haul. If you're committed to fostering a strong and supportive partnership, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can put into practice right away. Make sure to like, review, and subscribe to get all the future episodes and help the podcast be found by others who would benefit the most.  Download the Getting Ready for Marriage Checklist here.  You can sign up for Elizabeth's FREE 10-week relationship email course here.  Read the show notes for this episode here.