You might know Esther Perel, the couples and family therapist who has become widely known thanks to her outspoken TED talks on infidelity and desire. In the interview that I’m referring to today, she speaks more broadly about modern relationships, what makes them difficult and how to have great ones. She touches on and explains:
- the complexity of relationships
- relationships in traditional normative societies vs modern relationships in free, loose networks
- the current lack of clear role division and its resulting need for negotiation of everything from household duties to identity
- an increase in expectations and trying to get all of our needs met in one romantic relationship
- the importance of having a support network in order to have a thriving relationship
- our need for meaning and fulfilment and how it has expanded from our private lives into the workplace
- the superior quality of today’s good relationships vs those in the past
- comparative rarity of great relationships being modelled around us
- getting lost in self-analysis and why it’s only possible to discover yourself as part of society and relationships
- great relationships being Mount Olympus: they take a lot of effort, creativity and relationship savvy
You can watch the 20-minute interview with Esther Perel here.
Or listen to the full-length version.
I know this is a lot to think about and figure out – and it’s much easier with support and guidance.
If you’re among the few people motivated enough to have a great relationship, but you’re not sure how to get there, I’m happy to help you find your next step. You can book your 30-minute complimentary Discovery Call with me here.
You can create your own Olympus-style relationship!