“When we can acknowledge that and make room for that and accept that that is part of the human experience, then we can sit with someone and we can hold space for them and be present with them without feeling like we have to do something to make them feel better.” – Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW
Marriage is a beautiful bond between two individuals that requires effort, communication, and an unyielding commitment. It’s a bond that is supposed to last a lifetime, but sometimes, when couples have been married for a while, they tend to forget the significance of the bond they share.
In this week’s podcast episode Dr Stacey Freedenthal joins me as we discuss the importance of listening to your spouse and how brave listening can be the difference between life and death.
Sometimes, quite literally.
You see, Stacy is a Suicidologist – and she works with not only those who contemplate or attempt, but also the spouses and family members who walk alongside them.
In a marriage, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day routine, to take each other for granted and forget the reasons why you fell in love.
Couples who have been married for a while often assume they know everything there is to know about each other, but this is not always the case.
People change over time, and sometimes these changes go unnoticed by their partners. A simple question like “how are you doing?” can open up a world of conversation and help you understand your partner on a deeper level.
Brave listening requires you to be present, to listen without judgment, and to put your own discomfort aside for the sake of your partner’s wellbeing.
Sometimes, listening to your partner might be uncomfortable or difficult, especially when they’re struggling with something as complex as depression or suicidal thoughts.
However, listening is an essential part of any healthy relationship, and it’s crucial that you’re there to support your partner, especially during difficult times.
In a marriage, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Your partner is your teammate, and you need to work together to face whatever challenges come your way. Brave listening is an opportunity to show your partner that you’re committed to being there for them, no matter what.
It’s important to remember that brave listening is not just about listening to your partner when they’re going through a difficult time. It’s also about listening to them when they’re happy, when they’re excited, and when they’re just trying to share their thoughts and feelings with you.
Listening is an essential part of any healthy relationship, and it’s something that you should strive to do every day.
One of the most significant challenges of marriage is maintaining a healthy balance between independence and interdependence. You want to be your own person, but you also want to be there for your partner. Brave listening can help you strike that balance by giving your partner the space they need to express themselves while also showing them that you’re there for them when they need you.
Marriage is not always easy, and sometimes it takes a little extra effort to keep the bond strong. However, by practicing brave listening, you can deepen your connection with your partner and show them that you’re committed to being there for them no matter what.
The courage it takes to truly listen allows you to deepen your connection with your partner, strengthen your bond, and ensure that your marriage lasts a lifetime.