Ways to Build Connection with Your Partner during Stressful Times — Dr. Sarah Rattray

Key Takeaways: How can someone strengthen their love connection during a pandemic? The more stress we bring into ourselves, the more that drains our energy. The good news is that you have the power to bring relaxation and calm into your life and current/future partnerships. Before you bring up a topic, ask yourself a couple of questions first. Do you want to vent? Do you just want to share what you're feeling? Do you need to solve a problem? Think about a conversation you've had with a friend in the past and, if enjoyable, replicate that process again. Communication is a critical part of any relationship. So, you need to be conscious of how you'd like to show up. When you're creating positive energy for you and your partner, then you can move forward and work towards your goals and aspirations. Don't shout over to your partner if they're not in the same room as you. Walk over to them! Talk to them! Look them in the eye. Dr. Sarah shares a couple of examples or conversation scripts you can use to talk to your partner about your fears or concerns you might be having about the world. The tips Sarah is sharing today aren't just for heterosexual couples either. It's for all relationships, romantic or platonic! The more care you take in setting up the conversation beforehand, the calmer the other party will feel. What advice does Dr. Sarah have for couples living under one roof and having a lot of tension? It's hard to build connection or empathy when someone isn't focused on you. How do you increase intimacy in a relationship? Imagine how many relationships can be saved just by taking the time to listen, truly listening, and acknowledging your partner.   Episode Summary: Dr. Sarah understands that under stress, we can end up doing and saying some pretty crazy or hurtful things. Whether you're in lockdown and isolation or all living under one roof, Dr. Sarah offers helpful tips and reminders on how you can connect with your partner in a relaxing and calm way. Yes, we are all under a new heightened level of stress and we might have things we want to get off our chest, but we can do that by coming to a conversation prepared!   Guest Bio: Sarah Rattray Ph.D., Couples Psychologist, has spent the last thirty years helping couples create the relationship they always wish they'd had. She specializes in helping couples communicate safely about what really matters to them, so they feel seen, heard, understood, and supported. Right now she's creating workshops to help you navigate all the relationship challenges of this stressful time with grace and kindness towards each other.   Resources for a Younger Lifestyle: Dr. Robyn Benson's Free Youthful Aging eGuide Biofieldhealinginstitute.com Connect with Sarah: Couplescommunicationinstitute.com & Sarah's free offer: Take this QUICK FREE QUIZ to find out your Communication Resilience score Sarah's Facebook support group Dutchtest.com   Quotes:   "Every conversation, we tend to arrive with tension that sets us up to be startled, to be surprised, and to be even more on alert with each other, and that drains our energy."   "You have in your hands the leadership ability to set the stage for yourself and your partner for relaxation and calm."   "Is this gaining you energy or is it draining your energy?"   "If we can have a conversation and you really listen to me, I'm going to feel more trusting with you."