#113 Terry Real, LCSW | Building a Loving Relationship & Overriding Impulses that Interfere

Research indicates that the biggest predictor of happiness—at least for most of us—is the quality of our relationships. And yet, so much of how we’re wired can get in the way of good relationships. Things like pride and stubbornness. When we lean on those, we may erroneously conclude that we should be harsh and teach our partner a lesson.

Spoiler alert: you'll hear from the expert on this episode that harshness is never a good idea even though it may feel right or even vindicating.

So, since these skills are not taught in schools, how do we go beyond our knee-jerk responses and thrive as a couple?

Fortunately, I know just the guy to ask! Terry Real (https://terryreal.com/) is an internationally known psychotherapist and a best-selling author who has written some of the most important books contributing to the field of individual and couples psychotherapy. His latest book is called Us: Getting Past You and Me to Build a More Loving Relationship. Consistent with his incredible work, Terry brilliantly cuts to the core of how our brains work and shows how we can better use those brains in our relationships. Lori Gottlieb, Esther Perel, and even Bruce Springsteen (who wrote the foreword) love this book and I believe you will too.  And I’m confident you’ll be captivated listening to Terry who is a superior storyteller and the embodiment of kindness, wisdom, and strength.

So, listen in as Terry and I talk about how to get past the stumbling blocks and how to find our way back to US.

Book Link: https://amzn.to/3N2RjCD This is an affiliate link. It will provide me with a small commission on purchases made through it and help the podcast (but it won’t affect the price you pay).