31: How to Handle Relationship Obligations You'd Rather Skip

Make More Love

Do you dread holiday gatherings, family drama, or other obligations that test your patience? What if these dreaded moments could actually strengthen your relationship?

In this episode, we’re exploring the relationship challenges tied to obligations—those moments when you’d rather be anywhere else but are expected to show up. We discuss why honoring these commitments matters, how avoidance strategies harm your relationship, and ways to turn these dreaded events into opportunities for deeper connection. This episode is your guide to building a stronger, more passionate partnership.

Part 1: The Real Cost of Avoiding Obligations

• Discover the three common avoidance strategies: "The Hard Pass," "The Silent Protest," and "Blowing the Escape Hatch."
• Understand how these approaches erode Stability, Belonging, and Affinity in your relationship.

Part 2: The Relationship Hierarchy of Needs

• A refresher on the five stages of the hierarchy: Vitality, Stability, Belonging, Affinity, and Passion.
• Learn how repeated hits to these layers affect emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

Part 3: Turning Obligations into Opportunities

• Explore practical strategies like assessing joy vs. pain, collaborative planning, setting boundaries, and finding creative ways to make obligations more enjoyable.
• Hear real-life examples, including how one couple transformed a chaotic Thanksgiving into their best family gathering in years.

Key Takeaways:

1. Time and Presence are the most valuable currencies in a relationship—invest them wisely.
2. Avoidance harms your relationship foundation, impacting trust, connection, and emotional health.
3. With intention and creativity, obligations can become opportunities to build trust and deepen connection.

Call to Action:

Feeling stuck in your relationship? Book a free Relationship Reset Call at relationshipresetcall.com to gain clarity and start making meaningful changes today.

Closing Thoughts:

The way you handle obligations is a reflection of how you’ll handle life’s toughest challenges. Use these moments to show up for your partner, build trust, and prove that you’ve got each other’s backs. Together, you can turn even the most dreaded events into a foundation for a stronger, more passionate partnership.

Support & Resources:

Ellen invites listeners to share their thoughts, either in the P3 Insider's Community or directly with her via email. Or, for one on one brainstorming on a specific situation, listeners can set up a time on Ellen's Calendar for a free Relationship Reset Call.

All links can be found below.

"Until next time, remember, 'What I want most in the world is for you to Make More Love in Your Life and with Your Wife.'" - Ellen Dorian

Disclaimer:

The Make More Love show is for information and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for the guidance of a qualified mental health or medical professional.

Make More Love Show Website: www.makemorelove.show

Parent Company: The Passionate Partners Project: www.passionatepartnersproject.com

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