Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife explores how moving beyond validation-seeking creates deeper, more authentic intimate connections in marriage, explaining that true intimacy requires embracing differences rather than demanding constant agreement.

• Distinguishing between validation and true intimacy in relationships
• Understanding the three unhealthy relationship patterns: pressuring our partner, yielding to avoid conflict, or creating parallel lives
• Recognizing that we marry people for their differences but then often resent those same differences
• Learning to weather invalidation without falling apart or becoming defensive
• Developing the capacity to truly listen to our partner's perspective without immediately defending ourselves
• Identifying our "losing strategy" – our default response under pressure that undermines connection
• Approaching conflict with curiosity about our partner's experience rather than taking it personally
• Beginning difficult conversations by acknowledging where our partner is right about us
• Understanding marriage as a spiritual journey that expands our capacity to love and be known

Get your copy of Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife's new book "That We Might Have Joy: Sexuality as a Path to Spirituality for Latter-day Saints" available September 30th on Amazon or through her website at finlayson-fife.com.

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