Successful Relationships Reading Corner
This week, we said why it’s important to be fully present in your relationships. Here are some thoughts to that topic.
The Quality All Healthy Relationships Share “Of course, emotional availability involves listening, but it also includes being in tune with your partner’s desires, wishes, and thoughts. Those who are emotionally available are predictable and stable in their emotional responses, validate your experience (even when they disagree with your stance), and take feedback in healthy ways. They also share their thoughts and feelings with you and don’t shy away from tough conversations. Gaslighting, dismissiveness, and manipulation are emotionally damaging behaviors that they don’t do.
How to Be More Emotionally Available in Your Relationships “To say a person is emotionally available means being present in a way that goes beyond physical proximity. It’s about being open to truly understand, empathize, and reciprocate the emotions of others,” explains Joel Frank, PsyD, clinical psychologist and owner, Duality Psychological Services. “It refers to our ability to share an emotional connection with others and to be open to receiving their emotions in return,” he adds.
Cultivating Intimacy and Communication through Mindfulness “Being present in a relationship means being fully engaged and attentive to your partner. This means setting aside distractions and focusing on the moment, paying attention to what your partner is saying, and actively listening to their thoughts and feelings. This type of presence helps to create an environment of open communication, trust, and understanding.”