Skip to content
446 SelfWork: If You're Avoiding Conflict, You're Avoiding Intimacy episode artwork

May 16, 2025 26 min

446 SelfWork: If You're Avoiding Conflict, You're Avoiding Intimacy

from The SelfWork Podcast Hosted by Margaret Robinson Rutherford PhD

In this episode, we’re going to focus on nine very real consequences or dangers of avoiding conflict in partnerships, in marriages, and in committed relationships. It’s a response to a listener’s question – and I’ll read a part of her email. In general, conflict-avoidant relationships also become intimacy-avoidant relationships. Avoiding the conflict can stem from fear of the loss of the relationship or defensiveness. And it can lead to everything from bitterness and resentment to affairs. Next week, we’ll focus on how you can learn to handle and cope with conflict in relationships where it’s safe to express it. It's a skill that you can practice and learn with each other - and grow your emotional and even sexual intimacy even further. Content links... YouTube video on affairs SelfWork episode on talking with someone you love about suicidal thoughts Advertisers Links: Manage your hormones with the help of Happy Mammoth, a leader in women's health! Go to https://happymammoth.com/selfwork to order! Click HERE for the NEW GEN offer from AG1 – with bonus product with your subscription! You can hear more about this and many other topics by listening to my podcast, SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Subscribe to my website and receive my weekly newsletter including a blog post and podcast! If you’d like to join my FaceBook closed group, then click here and answer the membership questions! Welcome! My book entitled Perfectly Hidden Depression is available here! Its message is specifically for those with a struggle with strong perfectionism which acts to camouflage underlying emotional pain. But the many self-help techniques described can be used by anyone who chooses to begin to address emotions long hidden away that are clouding and sabotaging your current life. And there’s another way to send me a message! You can record by clicking below and ask your question or make a comment. You’ll have 90 seconds to do so and that time goes quickly. By recording, you’re giving SelfWork (and me) permission to use your voice on the podcast. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!

Episode details come from the podcast's RSS feed.

Embed this episode

In this episode, we’re going to focus on nine very real consequences or dangers of avoiding conflict in partnerships, in marriages, and in committed relationships. It’s a response to a listener’s question – and I’ll read a part of her email. In general, conflict-avoidant relationships also become intimacy-avoidant relationships. Avoiding the conflict can stem from fear of the loss of the relationship or defensiveness. And it can lead to everything from bitterness and resentment to affairs.

Ready to play

446 SelfWork: If You're Avoiding Conflict, You're Avoiding Intimacy

0:00 26:52

No transcript yet.

Requests help us decide what to transcribe next.

Frequently asked questions

How long is this episode of The SelfWork Podcast?

This episode is 26 minutes long.

When was this The SelfWork Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on May 16, 2025.

Can I download this The SelfWork Podcast episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.