In this episode of The Beauty in the Mess, Michele sits down with Dr. Mark A. Hicks, counselor, speaker, and author of Learning Love: Building a Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last. With decades of experience in psychology, divinity, and human relationships, Dr. Hicks offers real, accessible guidance on how to truly love, starting with yourself.

He shares his personal story of loss and renewal, along with a five-part framework for building stronger, healthier, more fulfilling connections — whether with your partner, kids, friends, or even coworkers. This conversation is heartfelt, deeply relatable, and filled with tools for anyone who’s ever wondered: “Can I really learn to love well… even after the mess?”

[02:20] – Meet Dr. Mark Hicks and what led him to write Learning Love

[05:40] – Why love is a skill, not just a feeling

[09:10] – His five components of learning love (G.E.A.P.P.)

[12:30] – Why grief is the starting point for healthy connection

[15:45] – Understanding emotional literacy and why it matters

[19:10] – How practical love helps relationships last

[22:25] – The role of acceptance in healing relationships

[25:30] – Passion isn’t about fireworks — it’s about presence

[28:40] – “You can’t love someone more than you love yourself”

[32:15] – How your self-talk shapes your relationships

[35:30] – What healthy love looks like in parenting

[38:50] – Loving again after loss, betrayal, or divorce

[42:00] – Why love isn’t reserved for the lucky — it’s for the willing

[45:10] – Final thoughts: You are worthy of learning love

• 🔗 Connect with Dr. Mark A. Hicks:
• 📘 Book: Learning Love: Building a Life That Matters and Healthy Relationships That Last
• 💻 Website: drmarkahicks.com
• 📸 Instagram: @drmarkahicks
• 💬 Facebook: Mark Hicks – Learning Love

• 📱 Connect with Michele Simms:
• Website: thebeautyinthemess.com
• Instagram: @the.beauty.in.the.mess
• Facebook Group: The Beauty in the Mess Community
• 🎧 If this episode resonated, don’t forget to follow, review, and share. Love is a journey — and you don’t have to walk it alone.

#TheBeautyInTheMess #LearningLove #MarkAHicks #SelfWorth #HealthyRelationships #EmotionalHealth #HealingAfterHeartbreak #RelationshipTools

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