Resources on Relationships
Relationships are complex and dynamic. We have a multitude of relationships; friends, relatives, co-workers, lovers, colleagues, spouse, children, etc and the one we have with ourselves, which often is the behind the seen driver of the others. I’ve often said life on the planet would be better if we all had our own councelor. Culturally, we get no meaningful education on relationships, feelings, conflict resolution or emotional well-being. All of us move through life carrying our personal baggage and perhaps the goal would be to reduce it to a carry-on size. My favorite therapist, Esther Perel has said “The quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our relationships” and I believe this to be true. Ultimately, we only get to change ourselves in how we see the world and react to it. Life is a continuum of trials and tribulations; the seas are rough so here are some things that may be useful in building a better boat!
Recommended Reading
Recommended Viewing
The secret to desire in a long-term relationship | Esther Perel
In long-term relationships, we often expect our beloved to be both best friend and erotic partner. But as Esther Perel argues, good and committed sex draws on two conflicting needs: our need for security and our need for surprise. So how do you sustain desire? With wit and eloquence, Perel lets us in on the mystery of erotic intelligence.
No Sex Marriage – Masturbation, Loneliness, Cheating and Shame | Maureen McGrath | TEDxStanleyPark
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Sophia Wallace: A case for cliteracy
How is it possible that we landed on the moon before we figured out the anatomy of the clitoris? This is one of many questions artist Sophia Wallace poses in this thought-provoking talk about the complexity and misrepresentation of women's bodies and sexuality.
Why Relationships Fail - Terry Real
Why relationships fail is multifaceted. Nowadays, women ask for more levels of intimacy but the problem is men have not been raised to deliver that thus the reason why women are unhappy. Terry Real, a couple therapist, who master why relationships fail, shares how women can have a firm loving voice, and how men can become empathic listeners. These are very important because these are the secrets of being satisfied and happy in marriages.
What young women believe about their own sexual pleasure | Peggy Orenstein
Why do girls feel empowered to engage in sexual activity but not to enjoy it? For three years, author Peggy Orenstein interviewed girls ages 15 to 20 about their attitudes toward and experiences of sex. She discusses the pleasure that's largely missing from their sexual encounters and calls on us to close the "orgasm gap" by talking candidly with our girls from an early age about sex, bodies, pleasure and intimacy.
Rethinking infidelity ... a talk for anyone who has ever loved | Esther Perel
Infidelity is the ultimate betrayal. But does it have to be? Relationship therapist Esther Perel examines why people cheat, and unpacks why affairs are so traumatic: because they threaten our emotional security. In infidelity, she sees something unexpected — an expression of longing and loss. A must-watch for anyone who has ever cheated or been cheated on, or who simply wants a new framework for understanding relationships.
Melinda Gates: Let's put birth control back on the agenda
Contraception. The topic has become controversial in recent years. But should it be? Melinda Gates believes that many of the world's social change issues depend on ensuring that women are able to control their rate of having kids.
Al Vernacchio: Sex needs a new metaphor.
Here's one ...
“For some reason”, says educator Al Vernacchio, “the metaphors for talking about sex in the US all come from baseball -- scoring, getting to first base, etc. The problem is, this frames sex as a competition, with a winner and a loser.”
What's Your Sexual Footprint?: Al Vernacchio at TEDxYouth@SanDiego 2013
Let's talk about sex! And let's talk about our sexual footprint - the path that is created by the decisions we make and the actions we take regarding our sexual selves. Al Vernacchio, gives an honest, powerful, and important talk for teens on healthy sexuality that should be required viewing for everyone!
How To Create SEXUAL DESIRE & Build A SUCCESSFUL Relationship | Esther Perel & Lewis Howes
Yes, we are talking about relationships again on The School of Greatness. Partly because I love learning as much as possible about how to create and maintain healthy, amazing relationships (and I need a lot of coaching in my love life). But partly because I heard today’s guest speaker at Summit at Sea in November and I knew I had to have her on the podcast.