How well do you handle criticism from a loved one? If you are anything like most of us, the answer is, not very well! Typically, the closer we are to a person the more fragile we feel when they offer us feedback. Which means that over time couples can feel like they are walking on eggshells, unable to communicate or express themselves honestly. And when we can’t open up to deeper intimacy, love fades. Add in the raising of children and money issues and couples can easily find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Do they remain together, for convenience, for security, and to sake of the children, but live in a state of psychological divorce, or do they separate?

The biggest culprit in this dynamic is defensiveness. If couples could truly drop their defenses and actively listen and hear each other, perhaps they could come together again. But active listening is rarely used. Which is why Warren Farrell, PhD, developed Cinematic Immersion. Cinematic Immersion is a method that enables couples to actively listen to their partner without feeling defensive. As couples learn how to experience “criticism” as love, they simultaneously learn “the art and discipline of love” and how to deepen that love throughout the week.

Join us for today’s show, and learn what all is possible for you in all of your closest relationships when you can drop you defenses, truly hear what your loved ones are saying, and learn how to communicated your feelings as well.

Warren Farrell, PhD, trains couples and psychologists worldwide in the “art and discipline of love.” He is coauthor, with John Gray, of The Boy Crisis (2018) and the author of two international bestsellers, Why Men Are the Way They Are and Women Can’t Hear What Men Don’t Say. His books are published in more than 50 countries and in 17 languages.

Farrell has been chosen by the Financial Times as one of the world’s top 100 thought leaders. He was a pioneer in both the women’s movement and the modern men’s movement. He has appeared on more than 1,000 TV and radio shows, including interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Larry King, Katie Couric, Peter Jennings, and Barbara Walters. Farrell serves as chair of the Coalition to Create a White House Council on Boys and Men.

His Ted Talk can be seen here. Visit his website to learn more about Warren, his work, books and programs.