In this episode, Patrick and Ted talk about what makes relationships last. They discuss choosing the right partner, the skills needed to keep love strong, and the tough decision of whether to stay or leave. They also explore the grief of losing shared memories and the often-ignored regrets people have in relationships. They challenge stereotypes about divorce, discuss the role of romance (especially for men), and share personal stories about love.

Referenced articles:
Gretta Duleba – https://integrationbyparts.substack.com/p/how-relationships-actually-work
Aella – https://aella.substack.com/p/the-difficulty-in-dating-good-men

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

02:19 - Introducing the Topic of Relationships

03:49 – What We Mean by 'Romantic Relationships'

04:46 – Pressure on Romantic Partners Today

05:17 – Most Important Conversation to Have

05:46 – Clarifying Needs and Expectations Expectations Early On

06:46 – Understanding Boundaries and What You’re Looking For

06:19 – Age Gap Relationships and Shifting Viewpoints

06:36 – Cornerstone vs. Capstone Relationships

07:30 – Life Stage and Relationship Expectations

08:51 – The Myth of "The One"

08:26 – The Dangers of Over-Complicating Your Partner List

09:13 -  Compatibility Beyond Red Lines

10:04 - Avoiding Blind Commitment in Relationships

10:22 - Knowing When to Leave

10:44 - Balancing Flexibility with Non-Negotiables

11:15 - Gretta Duleba's Article

14:29 - Unspoken Assumptions in Relationships

15:19 – Matching Relationship Structures

16:00 - Relationships as Tightropes

18:20 – Conversations and Skills for Relationship Health

19:32 – Renegotiating Relationships as Life Changes

20:40 – Cultural and Familial Influence on Relationship Beliefs

22:07 – Power of Open Conversations

23:30 - Navigating Unspoken Agreements

24:00–Balancing Companionship and Intimacy in Modern Love

25:40 - Adapting to Changes Together

27:42 - The Reality of Your Twenties

29:50 - Aging, Longevity, and How Relationships Change

30:21 - Finding Stability in a Changing World

31:00 - Listen to How You Feel in Relationships

32:04 - Friendships and Emotional Health

32:18 - The Importance of Self-Awareness in Relationships

33:12 - Understanding Fear in Relationships

33:40 - Relationship Skills That Really Matter

34:10 - The Importance of Decision Making in Relationships

35:08 - Repairing Emotional Wounds

35:24 - Ted's Breakup Story and Self-Reflection

38:00 - Why Repair Is Essential in Relationships

38:11 - Rebuilding Parent-Child Relationships

38:38 - Swallowing Ego for Relationship Resilience

39:28 - Rupture and Repair in Therapy

41:22 - The Challenge of Being Comfortable in Therapy

41:43 - Confronting Difficult Family Dynamics

43:26 - How Honest Conversations Repair Relationships

44:33 - Co-Creation: Building Relationships Together

45:14 - How Life Transitions Change Relationship Phases

47:12 - Resilience and Safety

48:07 - Co-Creation Commitment

51:17 - Navigating Differences in Relationship Expectations

51:40 - Understanding the Limits of What Partners Can Give

52:46 - Turning Conflict into Growth

53:10 - Personal Growth and Boundaries

54:30 - Self-Discovery in Relationships

57:45 - The Future of Relationships

59:03 - Approaching Relationships as a Curiosity Project

1:00:00 - Modern Dating Challenges and the Pursuit of a Match

1:05:58 - High Expectations in Modern Dating

1:10:42 - Patrick Questioning Religion and Personal Identity at 16

1:13:38 - Addressing Anger

1:15:37 - Ted on the Impact of Abandoned Relationships

1:16:51 - Developing Real Relationship Skills

1:17:25 - What’s Next

1:17:45 - Ted on Romance and Relationship Skills for Men