In this episode of the Recovering Us podcast, hosts Sandra and Dan explore the complexities of coupleship dysfunction and the journey towards recovery. They discuss various characteristics of dysfunctional couples, emphasizing the importance of communication, interdependence, and emotional safety. The conversation highlights the significance of asking for needs, exploring intimacy beyond sex, and facing problems together as a couple. They also touch on the importance of playfulness, expressing true feelings, and accepting individual responsibilities in a relationship. The episode concludes with reflections on breaking family patterns of dysfunction and the positive changes that can arise from understanding and addressing these issues.

Takeaways

• The podcast aims to help couples affected by addiction and trauma.
• Dysfunction is common in coupleships, leading to the need for recovery.
• Open communication fosters intimacy and empathy in relationships.
• Interdependence strengthens coupleships, while enmeshment can be harmful.
• It's important to ask for needs to be met in a relationship.
• Intimacy can be expressed in many ways beyond sexual connection.
• Facing problems together is crucial for relationship health.
• Rediscovering playfulness can enhance joy in relationships.
• Accepting individual responsibilities reduces blame and conflict.
• Effective conflict resolution is key to a healthy coupleship.

Sound bites

• "We are a recovering couple."
• "It's acceptable to ask what we need."
• "We've forgotten how to play together."

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Recovering Us Podcast
• 01:58 Understanding Dysfunction in Coupleships
• 03:58 Characteristics of Dysfunctional vs. Functional Couples
• 09:55 Self-Medication and Emotional Expression
• 12:57 Interdependence vs. Codependence in Relationships
• 15:52 The Importance of Asking for Needs
• 22:51 Intimacy Beyond Sexuality
• 27:56 Facing Problems Together as a Team
• 32:53 Rediscovering Playfulness in Relationships
• 36:04 Expressing True Feelings
• 37:44 Taking Responsibility in Conflict
• 40:57 Healthy Conflict Resolution
• 42:03 Breaking Family Patterns of Dysfunction