Is it Hard to Get Your Partner to Clean the Toilet?

OverviewIn this episode I introduce my relationship framework: Partner, Friend & Lover.1.    We’ll talk about how you and your sweetheart can be strong teammates.2.    And I’ll give you a date night discussion prompt that helps you notice how you and your partner help each other. You want to feel like you have a teammate in your relationship.You’ll hear a story about why building a garden bed can be a very different activity depending on whether you’re in partner-mode, friend-mode, or lover-mode. And how not being in the same role at the same time causes problems for your relationship.We’ll talk about why being in the same role at the same time makes it easier to connect in your relationship. But that doesn’t always happen, right?Partners want to achieve and they love the feeling of accomplishment.Friends want to hang out and go with the flow.Lovers want to explore and thrive on novelty.<br/> I also tell a story about when my husband decided to go to graduate school when I was 6 months pregnant. I felt proud of what a great contribution I made to his career pivot.I tell the story of how my “help” turned into “control.” Because I got tired.   The Habit for Your Happily Ever AfterThis week’s Habit for Your Happily Ever After is to ponder the partner element in your relationship. Do you connect well as partners? Or is that relationship a struggle for you like it was for my husband and me?Don’t worry about taking any action to change how you relate as partners. We’ll get to that. For now, let it be enough to notice how you relate naturally. And remember, it’s most kind to notice without judging. I know that’s hard to do, but it’s also key to growing intimacy.Date Night DiscussionThis segment of my show is where I offer you a date night discussion prompt. My definition of a date is a moment of connection. And I believe in setting the bar for that connection ridiculously low.This week, find a moment to ask your sweetheart one or more of the following:What do you think we do best as partners or teammates?When do you feel like I help you? When do you enjoy helping me?<br/>Text me and let me know when your partner ENJOYS helping you. 970-210-4480. I'd love to know if it surprised you.·     What do you think is our strongest suit when it comes to accomplishing a project together?