Strengthening Our Spousal Relationship: Understanding the Importance of Respect and Differences

In this episode of Life after Kids, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne emphasize the importance of investing in relationships with significant others for a more fulfilling life as the kids grow up. They recommend and discuss the book "Strength Based Marriages" by Jimmy Evans and Alan Kelsey for practical tips on improving relationships. The hosts stress the need for love and connection as a basic human need and acknowledge that those in abusive or struggling relationships may need therapy or intervention.

Highlights include the importance of respecting and honoring differences between men and women, and the importance of giving our partners what they actually need, rather than what we want to give or think they need. They emphasize the importance of fulfilling the primary needs of our partners, with women commonly seeking security and stability, and men commonly seeking respect and honor in relationships.

Verbalizing appreciation and gratitude to our partners, recognizing the behavior we want to see more of, and speaking positivity and thankfulness into our relationships are also discussed.

Drs. Brooke and Lynne stress the importance of being on the same team as partners, rather than adversaries, and of remembering that you and your spouse are in this life after kids together. They emphasize the need for a united front in parenting and reinforcing with children the importance of respect for their partner.

The episode concludes with the reminder that lifting up and respecting our partners does not take away from our own strength and power, and that investing in our relationships with significant others can create a loving and fulfilling life after kids.

Timestamped Chapter Summary

• 0:00:30 - Introduction to the podcast and topic


• 0:01:18 - Discussion on Father's Day and loving on significant others


• 0:02:09 - Importance of maintaining healthy relationships


• 0:04:02 - Introduction to Strength Based Marriages book


• 0:05:05 - Discussion on primary needs in relationships


• 0:05:31 - Importance of identifying personal strengths in relationships


• 0:06:29 - Discussion on the role of expectations in relationships


• 0:07:54 - Importance of communication in relationships


• 0:09:39 - Discussion on the impact of stress on relationships


• 0:11:52 - Importance of forgiveness in relationships


• 0:14:07 - Discussion on the role of intimacy in relationships


• 0:16:22 - Importance of teamwork in relationships


• 0:18:50 - Discussion on the impact of technology on relationships


• 0:20:38 - Importance of positive reinforcement in relationships


• 0:21:36 - Importance of prioritizing relationships


• 0:23:10 - Discussion on the role of gratitude in relationships


• 0:25:34 - Importance of self-care in relationships


• 0:25:58 - Importance of not disrespecting your partner in front of your children


• 0:27:25 - Discussion on the impact of personality differences on relationships


• 0:29:39 - Importance of seeking professional help for relationship issues

Enjoy the show, and we hope you learn a little bit more about living a fulfilling, vibrant, and meaningful Life after Kids!

If you like what you hear please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe, and pass it along to a friend.

Making tomorrow even better than today,

Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne

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