What makes relationships truly thrive, not just survive? In this episode of Grow the Good, I sit down with Suzie Pileggi Pawelski, positive psychology expert and co-author of Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts, to explore how strengths, gratitude, and intentional effort create lasting connection.

Suzie shares her evidence-based framework for building flourishing relationships using character strengths, gratitude, and virtue. We talk about how to balance differences, embrace vulnerability, and move beyond “utility-based” love into Aristotelian “love of goodness.” I also share some of my own reflection, from learning to appreciate my husband Matt’s different strengths, to maintaining intimacy while raising kids.

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more meaning, patience, and joy into your relationships (romantic or otherwise), this conversation offers both science and heart.

Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Relationships Thrive on Strengths: Knowing and celebrating your and your partner’s character strengths deepens understanding and connection.
2. Balance and Awareness Matter: Overusing or underusing strengths can create friction, mindful awareness and communication are key.
3. Gratitude and Vulnerability Build Trust: Truly receiving appreciation (without deflecting!) strengthens intimacy.
4. Aristotelian Love = Love of Goodness: Building virtue-based relationships elevates love beyond utility or pleasure.
5. Relationships Require Practice: Like going to the gym, thriving relationships take ongoing intention, curiosity, and growth.

LINKS

Learn more about Suzie https://www.suzannpileggi.com/about/

Read Happy Together https://www.suzannpileggi.com/author2/#happy

Listen to Love in Your Golden Years https://www.audible.com/pd/Love-in-Your-Golden-Years-Audiobook/B0FJ2V1WL5?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

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The Grow the Good Podcast is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.