Curiosity vs. Mere Attention

Knowing someone loves you is one thing. Actually feeling that love in your body and daily life is another—and that’s where many relationships get stuck. In this episode, we move from problem to solution, exploring five research-backed mindsets that help love land and deepen real connection.

I am joined once again by Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside and author of the best-selling books The How of Happiness and The Myths of Happiness. Her latest book, co-authored with Dr. Harry Reis, is titled How To Feel Loved: The Five Mindsets That Get You More Of What Matters Most.

Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:

• How does the “Relationship Sea-Saw” explain the give-and-take of feeling loved?
• What does healthy self-disclosure actually look like in a relationship?
• How can couples sustain curiosity in long-term partnerships?
• How can we approach our relationships with more compassion and less scorekeeping?
• How can we learn to become better listeners and stop having repetitive conflicts?

To learn more about How to Feel Loved, click here.

Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.

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The Kinsey Institute is where the world turns to understand sex and relationships. You can help continue its expert-led research by donating to the Kinsey Institute Research Fund. Learn more and make a donation here: https://give.myiu.org/centers-institutes/I380010749.html 

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.