Communicating better as empty nesters with Rebecca Mullen E144

Communication breaks down in the same few places for almost every couple. This episode is about finding those places before they turn into a fight.Rebecca Mullen joins Rick and Clancy to talk about the three roles inside a marriage, partner, lover, and friend, and how easily one of them gets neglected once kids leave the house. The conversation moves into why couples assume their partner can read their mind, why apologies so often fall flat, and how something as small as the way you say hello can set the tone for everything else.Rebecca walks through her four steps to an apology that actually lands, the difference between a boundary and a punishment, and a simple shift in how you greet your person that took her over ninety days to see change. Rick and Clancy bring their own real moments into it, including one that traces straight back to an argument they processed on a recent episode.Want to dig into your own communication patterns? Come share what's coming up for you in the Facebook group.https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Intro1:32 Partner, Lover, and Friend Defined2:22 Why the Partner Role Crowds Out the Lover4:58 A Childhood Wound That Became Her Calling6:49 What Empty Nesters Lose When Kids Leave9:38 Mixing Up Friend Energy and Lover Energy10:39 Why We Hesitate to Say Sorry11:20 The Four Steps to a Real Apology15:40 The Black Hole That Causes Most Confusion20:07 Surviving Family Gatherings Without a Blowup23:53 What We Actually Want From Each Other25:28 The Hello That Sounds Like Goodbye28:45 How Boundaries Actually Strengthen LoveHere's where you can learn more from Rebecca. Get her free guide, 6 Steps to Better Marriage Communication: https://mcusercontent.com/4cf37118f97d708517b01dc3d/files/936bb894-d4c0-4ed7-2cdd-17843ccf7210/6_Steps_to_Better_Marriage_Communication_Additional_Resources.pdfBook 6 steps to better Marriage Communication by REbecca S. Mullen https://amzn.to/4vxIi9C (affiliate link)Listen to her podcast, Habits for Your Happily Ever After: https://rebeccamullencoaching.com/podcast/Watch her TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/rebecca_mullen_the_vegetarian_the_hunter_creating_peace_at_the_dinner_tableJoin her newsletter: https://rebeccamullencoaching.com/mailing-list/Her website: https://rebeccamullencoaching.comWant to be a guest on The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living?Send Rick and Clancy Denton a message on PodMatch:https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theloudquiethostDisclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding your specific situation. The opinions expressed by guests are solely theirs and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of the host(s).