Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Okay, so get ready,
we're going deep.
Today we're talkingrelationships.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Ooh, sounds fun.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
It is.
We're diving into 50 couplestherapy journal prompts.
Have you heard of these?
I have.
Yeah, we're taking a look atthis blog post from Lestallion.
They're the ones who make thosereally nice.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Oh yeah, the leather
journals, exactly.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
And they put this
list together to help couples
get closer, strengthen theirbond.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
You know, I love that
Journaling can be so powerful
for couples.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Yeah, and we're going
to talk about how, even if
you're not actually in therapy.
Right, it's like a self-therapykind of thing.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
It's like holding up
a mirror.
You see the patterns, youunderstand your partner better.
Speaker 1 (00:36):
You start to get why
they do the things they do right
.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Exactly, and that
opens up communication.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
So true.
So these prompts are in fivecategories Understanding each
other, improving communicationnavigating challenges, building
intimacy and looking toward thefuture.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Big stuff it is.
Where should we start?
Let's jump into understandingeach other.
I think a lot of couples theystruggle with really seeing
their partner's strengths likereally appreciating them.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
It's so easy to get
stuck in a rut.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Especially after
being together a while.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
Totally.
You just take each other forgranted.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Yeah, that's where
these prompts are great.
For example, one prompt asksyou to write about a time your
partner made you feel reallyloved or supported, like what
made that moment stand out.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
Ooh, I like that one.
It forces you to remember thegood times.
Right To focus on the positivesLike this one time my partner.
They surprised me with ticketsto my favorite band.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
That's awesome, see,
you're already thinking about
those good memories.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
Yeah, and they were
hard to get tickets.
It meant so much.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
And you know,
research actually shows that
when couples do that remembergood times together, it makes
them feel closer, more satisfied.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
So it's not just a
fleeting feeling.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
It's an investment.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Like putting money in
the relationship bank, huh.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Exactly what other
prompts in this category stick
out to you.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
Well, I see one about
strengths, Like what do you
think your partner's greateststrengths are?
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Oh yeah, that's a
good one.
How do those strengths?
Speaker 1 (02:03):
make your
relationship better.
That's interesting to thinkabout.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
It is, and that makes
me think about love languages.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
Oh, love languages.
Tell me about it.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
I know, for me words
of affirmation are huge.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Same here.
If my partner doesn't tell me,they appreciate me, I just.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
You feel unloved.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
Exactly.
But if they say it, even justthe little thank you, it makes
my day.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
It makes you feel
valued.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Yes, there are
prompts that get at this right.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
Definitely.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
So it's not just
knowing your own love language.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
It's understanding
your partners, yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
And actually trying
to like speak their language.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
You got it, which
takes us to the next category
improving communication.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
Ooh, that's a biggie.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
It is these prompts.
They don't just give you basictips.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
They dig deeper right
.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
Exactly, they go into
the emotions.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
Because sometimes
you're so caught up in what's
being said you forget about thefeelings underneath.
Speaker 2 (02:54):
You miss the subtext.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Yeah, and that's when
arguments happen, I think.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
For sure.
So there's this one prompt Ifound really interesting.
It asks how do you typicallyhandle disagreements and how can
you create space for healthiercommunication during those
conflicts?
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Oh, that's a good
question.
I mean, we all disagreesometimes.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Conflict is
inevitable.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
Right, but it's how
you handle it that matters.
Do you get closer or furtherapart?
Speaker 2 (03:22):
This prompt forces
you to look at yourself.
Are you shutting down?
Are you getting defensive?
Speaker 1 (03:27):
Are you even
listening?
Speaker 2 (03:28):
Or can you stay calm,
listen to your partner's side
and find a solution together?
Speaker 1 (03:33):
That's the ideal
right.
It is, but we're not perfect.
That's why we need theseprompts.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
We need that reminder
to be aware of our patterns and
change them if they're notworking.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
I see another prompt
about active listening.
What's that all about?
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Active listening.
It's like the foundation ofgood communication.
It's not just hearing the words, it's really understanding the
message, like what your partneris trying to say, even if
they're not saying it directly.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
So paying attention
to their body language too.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
Exactly Putting your
own thoughts aside and tuning
into their experience.
Speaker 1 (04:04):
That's hard, though,
when you're upset.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
It is.
Do you have any tips forbecoming a better active
listener?
Hmm.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
Well, I've heard of
this thing called reflective
listening.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
Oh, yeah, tell me
about that.
Speaker 1 (04:17):
It's like you repeat
back what you've heard, but in
your own words.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
To make sure you
understood it correctly.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Right.
So you might say what I'mhearing is you're feeling hurt
because I didn't keep my promise.
Is that right?
Speaker 2 (04:30):
That's a great
example, because it shows you're
really trying to get it.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
And it prevents
misunderstandings right.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Big time and it shows
your partner that you care
about their feelings.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
That their feelings
matter to you.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
Yes, there's another
prompt here that connects to
this.
It asks about a time youmisunderstood each other Like
what could you have donedifferently to prevent that from
happening again?
Speaker 1 (04:49):
Ooh, that's a good
one for learning from your
mistakes.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
It is we all mess up
in communication.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
But it's about
getting better right.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Exactly so.
You look back, you see thepatterns and you come up with
strategies to communicate betternext time.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
So it's not about
dwelling on the past.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
No, it's about using
it to grow.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
And that growth
mindset is key for dealing with
challenges, wouldn't you say?
Speaker 2 (05:11):
Absolutely, which
brings us to you guessed it the
navigating challenges category.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
Huh, sensing a theme
here.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
These prompts
emphasize that challenges aren't
a sign of a bad relationship.
There are chances to get closerand to grow.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
It's like you work
out together, you get stronger
together.
Speaker 2 (05:29):
I like that.
Maybe not literally sweat, butyou know what I mean.
I do.
One prompt asks about a recentchallenge you faced together and
how you supported each other.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
That's so important
Knowing you can count on your
partner when things are rough.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Builds resilience for
sure.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Right, it's like, no
matter what life throws at us,
we're in this together for sure,right?
Speaker 2 (05:48):
It's like, no matter
what life throws at us, we're in
this together and there'sanother one, that's all about
self-awareness during challenges.
It says write about a time youfelt frustrated in the
relationship.
Then explore what feelings orneeds were behind that
frustration.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Oh, that's deep.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
It is Because
sometimes we take our
frustration out on our partner.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
But we don't even
know why we're frustrated.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Maybe you're feeling
insecure or unheard or just
needing a little extra support.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
And if you don't
figure that out, you can't
communicate it to your partner.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Exactly so.
You take the time, youunderstand your own emotions and
then you can work together tofind a solution.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
That makes sense and
it reminds me of boundaries.
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Oh, boundaries are
crucial.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
But they can be so
tricky.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
I know One prompt
asks you to write about a
boundary that's important to youin the relationship and how you
can communicate that to yourpartner in a loving way.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
Yeah, because
boundaries aren't selfish.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
Right, they're about
protecting yourself.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
So you can be your
best self in the relationship.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
And respecting each
other's needs.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
Creating that safe
space where you both feel
supported.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
Exactly, and that
safety and support they're
essential for intimacy, whichbrings us to our next category.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
Okay, hold on.
Before we get all levy-devywith building intimacy, we need
a little break.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
Sounds good to me.
Speaker 1 (06:56):
We'll be right back
to explore those juicy prompts.
Don't go anywhere.
Okay, we're back and we'rediving into building intimacy,
which I got to say alreadysounds exciting.
Speaker 2 (07:08):
Intimacy is where the
magic happens, right.
It's that deep connection.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
Emotionally,
physically, all of it.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
It's about feeling
seen, heard, understood.
Speaker 1 (07:17):
And I think a lot of
couples struggle to keep that
spark alive.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Especially when life
gets busy, routines take over.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
We get stuck in the
day to day.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
Exactly, and these
prompts, they give you a way to
like, actively nurture intimacy.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
To make it a priority
again.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
So how do these
prompts actually help you build
intimacy?
Well, one prompt asks you towrite about a moment when you
felt super connected to yourpartner.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
Like what made that
moment special.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
It makes you relive
those moments you know and
really feel those good feelingsagain.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
It's like creating a
highlight reel of your
relationship.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Yes, and by
remembering those moments you're
actually strengthening thosepathways in your brain.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
The pathways
connected to those good feelings
.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
Exactly.
It's like building intimacy,muscle memory.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
I love that.
Train your brain to focus onthe good stuff.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
That's the key.
There's another prompt hereabout physical affection.
It asks how do you show it andhow can you both nurture more
intimacy through touch?
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Physical touch is
powerful.
Speaker 2 (08:13):
It is.
It releases oxytocin, thecuddle hormone.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Makes you feel all
warm and fuzzy.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
Exactly, but physical
touch can be tricky right?
Everyone has differentpreferences.
Speaker 1 (08:23):
Some people are more
touchy-feely than others.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Exactly.
That's why communication is soimportant.
This prompt encourages couplesto talk about it.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
What feels good, what
doesn't?
Speaker 2 (08:32):
How can we create a
space where we both feel safe
and loved through touch?
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Like for me, I love
cuddling on the couch with my
partner.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
That's a classic, and
you know, even small gestures
count.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Holding hands a quick
kiss.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Little love boosts
throughout the day.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
I like that.
What about the prompt aboutyour partner's love language?
How do you meet their needs inyour daily interactions?
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Oh, that's a good one
.
It's about figuring out howyour partner best receives love.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Words of affirmation,
acts of service, gifts, quality
time, physical touch.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Once you know their
language, you can speak it.
Speaker 1 (09:06):
Show them love in a
way they understand.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
It takes the
guesswork out of it.
No more wondering if they feelappreciated.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
And sometimes it
means stepping outside your
comfort zone.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Doing things that
aren't natural for you but that
mean a lot to your partner.
Speaker 1 (09:18):
That's true love
right there.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
It is.
It's about effort andunderstanding.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
And this ties into
the prompt about emotional
vulnerability right.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
Vulnerability is key
for real intimacy.
It's about letting your guarddown, being seen for who you
truly are.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
And trusting your
partner to love you flaws and
all.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
That can be scary, I
know, but when both partners are
willing to be vulnerable itcreates a whole new level of
connection.
Deeper, more meaningful, andthat brings us to looking toward
the future.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
This is the part
where we dream big right.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Exactly, we create a
shared vision.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
We're not just
individuals anymore.
We're a team.
Speaker 2 (09:56):
And, like any good
team, we need a game plan.
Speaker 1 (09:58):
One prompt asks what
do you both envision for your
future?
How can you align your dreamsand goals as a couple?
Speaker 2 (10:06):
Making sure you're on
the same page, working towards
something you both want.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
Supporting each
other's growth.
Speaker 2 (10:11):
Creating a future
where you're both happy, both
individually and as a couple.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
And speaking of
working together, there's a
prompt about long-term goals.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Write about one
long-term goal you have for the
relationship.
How can you work together toachieve it?
Speaker 1 (10:25):
Buying a house,
traveling the world, starting a
family.
Speaker 2 (10:28):
Having those shared
aspirations.
It gives your relationshipdirection.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
A sense of purpose.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
And as you work
towards those goals, it's
important to celebrate youraccomplishments.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
To acknowledge how
far you've come together.
Speaker 2 (10:38):
Exactly, there's a
prompt about that too.
How do you celebrate milestonesand achievements?
How does gratitude shape yourjourney as a couple?
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Gratitude is so
important.
It's easy to forget to begrateful for the good stuff.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
Especially when
you're busy and stressed.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
So true, ok, so we've
covered a lot Understanding
each other, navigatingchallenges, building intimacy,
looking ahead.
What's the takeaway for ourlisteners?
Why should they be excitedabout these prompts?
Speaker 2 (11:04):
The real magic is in
the conversations these prompts
spark.
It's about creating that spacefor open, honest dialogue.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
Because communication
is everything right.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
It's the foundation
of any strong relationship.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
And these prompts.
They're like a roadmap forexploring your relationship.
You uncover hidden treasures.
You strengthen your bond.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
You set it, and you
don't have to wait for problems
to arise To nurture yourrelationship, keep it healthy,
exactly Now.
If you're looking for abeautiful place to write all
these thoughts down, they do,and there's something special
about writing by hand, don't youthink?
Speaker 1 (11:42):
It's more personal,
more meaningful.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
It is.
So, before we wrap up, we haveone final thought-provoking
question for you.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
What's one small step
you can take today, inspired by
these prompts, to deepen yourconnection with your partner?
Speaker 2 (11:55):
It could be anything
Expressing your appreciation,
having a heartfelt conversation,planning a date night.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
The key is to be
intentional, to make your
relationship a priority.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Because even small
gestures can make a big
difference.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
So there you have it
50 couples therapy journal
prompts to spark thoseconversations and strengthen
your bond.
We hope you enjoyed this deepdive.
Speaker 2 (12:17):
And feel inspired to
start journaling and connecting.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
Until next time, keep
exploring, keep growing and
keep the love alive.
Wow, we've really explored alot with these journal prompts,
haven't we?
Speaker 2 (12:30):
We have.
It's amazing how much there isto unpack when it comes to
relationships.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
And I'm feeling
really inspired, Like I want to
grab a journal and start writingright now.
Speaker 2 (12:40):
I know right.
It makes you want to put allthis into practice.
Speaker 1 (12:44):
And what I love is
that these prompts aren't just
for couples who are, like, onthe verge of breaking up or
something.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
No, not at all.
They're for anyone who wants to, you know, invest in their
relationship.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
Make it even better
than it already is.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
It's like
preventative maintenance.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
Ooh, I like that
analogy.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
Like, just like you
go to the dentist for regular
checkups, these prompts help youkeep your relationship healthy.
Speaker 1 (13:04):
Spot any potential
issues before they become big
problems.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Exactly.
And speaking of problems, onething that really stood out to
me was how these promptsencourage couples to see
challenges as opportunities.
Speaker 1 (13:16):
To see the good and
the bad, huh.
Speaker 2 (13:17):
Yeah, to view them as
chances to grow closer, not
further apart.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
Because, let's face
it every, relationship has
challenges.
It's inevitable, right, it'show you handle them that matters
.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Do you let them tear
you down or do you use them to
build something stronger?
Speaker 1 (13:31):
It's like that saying
what doesn't kill you makes you
stronger.
But in this case it's more likewhat doesn't kill your
relationship makes it stronger.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
Exactly, and those
prompts about navigating
challenges.
They really guide you throughthat process.
Speaker 1 (13:42):
They help you reflect
on past challenges, figure out
what worked, what didn't.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
And then, you know,
come up with a plan for how to
face future challenges together.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
As a team.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
Yeah, not as two
individuals battling each other.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
And that teamwork,
that feeling of being on the
same side that's so importantfor everything, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (13:59):
It really is For
communication, for intimacy, for
planning for the future.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
It's the foundation
of a strong partnership.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
I couldn't agree more
.
So, as we wrap up this deepdive, I want to leave our
listeners with this question.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
What's one small
action you can take today,
inspired by these prompts, tomake your relationship even
better?
Speaker 2 (14:19):
To strengthen your
bond with your partner.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
Maybe it's expressing
your appreciation having a deep
conversation, planning aspecial date night.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Whatever it is be
intentional, Make your
relationship a priority.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
And remember, small
gestures can have a big impact.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
Absolutely, and if
you're looking for a beautiful
place to jot down your thoughts,those leather journals from
Lestallion are amazing.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
They really are.
They make journaling feel likea special ritual.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
And there's something
so powerful about writing
things down by hand, you know.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
It's more personal,
more thoughtful.
Speaker 2 (14:50):
I agree, so happy
journaling everyone.
Speaker 1 (14:53):
And happy connecting.
That's a wrap on our deep diveinto 50 Pebbles Therapy Journal
prompts.
We hope you enjoyed it.
And feel inspired to create amore fulfilling and connected
relationship until next time,keep exploring, keep growing and
keep the love alive.