Ask B&B (Questions and Answers) Celebrating 20 Episodes!

In this episode, the B&B answer listener questions about addressing suspicions of secrecy in a partner's phone and social media, navigating individual growth journeys in a relationship, and dealing with in-law relationships. They share their personal experiences and offer advice on trust, communication, and setting boundaries. In this conversation, B&B discuss the importance of creating a safe and open environment for communication in a relationship and emphasize the need to avoid defensiveness and judgment, and instead encourage open dialogue and active listening. They also address the topic of a dwindling sex life and how to discuss it with a partner without hurting their feelings. Finally, they discuss the legacy they hope to leave for their children and others, focusing on the importance of love, communication, and overcoming challenges in relationships.

Takeaways

• ​Maintaining a strong relationship requires effort and communication, especially when dealing with busy schedules and children's activities.
• ​Addressing suspicions of secrecy in a partner's phone and social media requires trust, open communication, and setting boundaries.
• ​Individual growth journeys in a relationship can be challenging, but it's important to support and encourage each other's goals and dreams.
• ​In-law relationships can vary in ease and difficulty, but setting boundaries and prioritizing your own relationship is crucial.
• ​Creating a safe and open space for communication is key to encouraging a partner to express themselves during serious conversations. Create a safe and open environment for communication in your relationship
• ​Avoid defensiveness and judgment, and instead encourage open dialogue and active listening
• ​Start with small conflicts and practice effective conflict resolution to build the skills necessary for addressing bigger issues
• ​Communicate openly and honestly about your needs and desires, including in the area of sex
• ​Focus on leaving a legacy of love, communication, and overcoming challenges in your relationship

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

03:08 Addressing Suspicions of Secrecy in a Partner's Phone and Social Media

08:41 Supporting and Encouraging Individual Growth Journeys in a Relationship

17:10 Dealing with In-Law Relationships: Ease and Difficulty

25:01 Encouraging Better Communication During Serious Conversations

25:57 Creating a Safe and Open Environment for Communication

28:16 Building Communication Skills through Conflict Resolution

31:56 Discussing a Dwindling Sex Life with Your Partner

48:20 Leaving a Legacy of Love and Communication