S2, Ep11: The Meaning of Relationships | Intimacy skills & healthy partnerships

What does it really take to build a strong and healthy romantic relationship as a modern man?  In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak to Kristal DeSantis, marriage and family therapist and author of Strong: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man, about how men can navigate the challenges of emotional intimacy, connection, and modern masculinity in relationships. Kristal shares practical tools and strategies to help men build meaningful, lasting partnerships. In this episode you will learn: How men can overcome common barriers to emotional intimacy and vulnerability Practical strategies from Kristal’s STRONG model for communication, conflict management, and self-regulation How to develop relational skills for dating, long-term partnerships, or marriage Ways to create trust, connection, and mutual understanding in romantic relationships Why showing up fully as a partner contributes to relationship satisfaction, personal growth, and emotional wellbeing This conversation is essential for anyone interested in men’s mental health, modern masculinity, relationship skills, emotional intelligence, and building strong partnerships, offering actionable insights and encouragement for navigating love and connection as a man today.   Hear more from Kristal: Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strong-Relationship-Field-Guide-Modern/dp/1959099027 Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/kristal-desantis Speaker Website: www.strong.love Therapy Website: www.austinstrongrbc.com Instagram @atxtherapist  https://linktr.ee/atxtherapist   Timestamps: 04:28: Cultural Dynamics in Relationships 07:11: Men's Perspectives in Relationships 09:55: The Strong Model for Healthy Relationships 12:34: Redefining Masculinity in Modern Society 14:27: Self-Regulation and Emotional Intelligence 25:12: Self-Regulation in Conflict Resolution 28:16: Navigating Gender Roles in Relationships 31:37: The Shift from Function to Connection 33:24: Traits of Healthy Relationships 36:34: The Importance of Presence Over Performance 38:47: Challenges of Modern Dating 44:17: Emotional Vulnerability in Men 45:51: Celebrating Positive Male Contributions 47:01: Hope and Growth in Relationships