Women file for divorce more often because they have greater access to the right side of their brain, which recognizes trouble and problems. This makes them more likely to recognize issues in the relationship and take action.
The key to maintaining a healthy relationship is taking 100% responsibility for your part in the relationship, practicing empathy, active listening, assertiveness, spending quality time together, questioning negative thoughts, noticing what you like, and offering grace and forgiveness.
Certain brain types, like the persistent type, may wear Teflon and not absorb feedback well, which can lead to communication issues and relationship strain.
The four horsemen of the apocalypse in relationship studies are criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. These behaviors can predict divorce with 90% accuracy.
Questioning your thoughts helps prevent you from believing every negative thought you have, which can ruin a relationship. It allows you to challenge and correct inaccurate or harmful thoughts.
Alcohol drops your frontal lobes, reducing your ability to control what you say and do. This can lead to saying things that are inappropriate or hurtful, which can damage the relationship.
Assertiveness involves setting healthy boundaries and expressing your needs in a firm but respectful way. Aggression, on the other hand, involves being angry and bossy, which can be harmful to the relationship.
Spending time together is crucial for nurturing the relationship and maintaining closeness. Lack of time together can lead to drifting apart and seeking companionship elsewhere.
Noticing what you like more than what you don't like reinforces positive aspects of the relationship, making both partners feel appreciated and valued.
Empathy allows you to see things from your partner's point of view, fostering understanding and connection. Lack of empathy can lead to narcissistic behavior and relationship breakdown.
In this week's episode of Change Your Brain Every Day, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana sit down to discuss sure fire ways to ruin your primary relationships. Did you know that having good relationships can help you be healthier and happier—and even live longer? It’s true! In addition to how great it feels to be in a positive, warm, and satisfying relationship with another person, it’s actually helpful to your brain and body as you age. Conversely, people who are in unhealthy relationships filled with conflict and stress can become more vulnerable to sickness and earlier death.
00:00 Intro
02:10 Responsibility
04:12 Blame/Sovereignty
06:24 Talking Over One Another
08:01 Defensive Ninja Moves
10:53 Cheating/Mistrust
11:34 Sponsor
12:44 RELATING
24:07 Summary
26:56 Condescending Attitudes
27:51 Contempt
28:13 Criticism
28:48 Love is Just a Feeling
29:54 No Forethought = No Foreplay
31:46 Practical Tips
33:41 Wrap Up