Some of us spend years having the same arguments with our partner, on repeat. Others drift into a state of lonely togetherness where we don’t bother to talk about discontents, because it just feels pointless.

Joanna Harrison is a marital therapist who has identified five arguments that all couples need to have. If you can work through these issues, your chances of building a healthy, happy relationship are much stronger.

In this week’s episode, Andrew and Joanna discuss basic skills for productive conflict, why we try to avoid arguments, and how therapy can help.

Subscriber Content This Week

If you’re a subscriber to The Meaningful Life (via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Patreon), this week you’ll be hearing:

⭐️Joanna’s examples of practical strategies that have worked best for the couples she sees. 

⭐️Andrew and Joanna’s best piece of advice for couples struggling to disagree productively.

⭐️3 things Joanna KNOWS to be true.

⭐️AND subscribers can also explore a rich trove of bonus material on love, life and meaning created by Andrew and all his previous guests.

Follow Up

Read Andrew’s new Substack newsletter and join the community there 

Get Joanna Harrison’s book Five Arguments All Couples (Need to) Have and Why the Washing-Up Matters 

Take a look at Joanna Harrison’s website https://joannaharrison.co.uk 

Follow Joanna Harrison on Twitter @JoCoupleTherapy and on Instagram @joannaharrisoncoupletherapist 

Listen to other The Meaningful Life episodes on marriage and relationships: Dr Terry Real on Five Traps that Undermine Your Love and Matthew Fray on How Good People Mess Up Their Marriages

 Read Andrew’s book I Love You But I’m Not In Love With You: Seven Steps to Saving Your Relationship 

Join our Supporters Club to access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions. Membership starts at just £4.50.