In this insightful episode of *Relatable* Colter, Cayla, and Lauren delve into the nuances of building and maintaining intimacy in long-term relationships. They tackle tough but essential questions to ask partners, emphasizing the importance of asking for and being prepared to hear honest feedback.

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1. **The Importance of Honest Feedback:**

  - Understanding and addressing the unique struggles of each partner.

  - Preparing oneself to hear and process honest feedback constructively.

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2. **Improving Relationship Understanding:**

  - Questions to ask for better understanding and improving relational dynamics.

  - Lauren’s personal inquiry about her behavior when stressed, showcasing openness and vulnerability.

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3. **Personal Stories and Struggles:**

  - Lauren, Colter, and Cayla share their personal experiences related to being parents, workers, and partners.

  - Colter and Lauren discuss navigating new family dynamics with grace.

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4. **Timing and Setting the Stage:**

  - Finding uninterrupted time and setting the stage for deep conversations.

  - Suggestions for planning conversations carefully to avoid disappointment.

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5. **Recognizing Relationship Strengths:**

  - Highlighting strengths in a relationship brings hope during hard seasons.

  - Starting conversations with a focus on strengths to build intimacy.

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6. **Balancing Mystery and Security:**

  - Maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship by balancing mystery and security.

  - Emotional intimacy as a foundation for sexual intimacy.

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7. **Practical Questions for Building Intimacy:**

  - Six actionable questions aimed at improving relational intimacy.

  - Specific examples and personal anecdotes from the hosts on how these questions have been beneficial.

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8. **Acts of Service and Appreciation:**

  - Cayla sharing gratitude for her partner’s acts of service.

  - Emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating everyday efforts.

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9. **Activity-Focused Intimacy:**

  - Importance of intentionally planning shared activities to bring couples closer.

  - Lauren’s story of feeling connected through shared activities suggested by her partner.

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Interested in More??

- Teaser for the *Thriving Couples Workshop* led by Lauren and Cayla.

- Special guest Rachel Thomas to discuss emotionally focused therapy in next week’s episode.

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- Have a question about intimacy or relationships? Send your questions to contact@thrivetherapyphx.com for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode!

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