I would love to hear from you. What did you think about this episode? Do you have any questions?

What exactly constitutes cheating in a relationship? The answer varies dramatically from couple to couple, which is precisely why establishing a clear "cheating policy" is essential for healthy partnerships. Trust forms the foundation of our relationships, yet many couples avoid having crucial conversations about boundaries and expectations until after damage has already occurred.

In this deeply personal exploration of relationship betrayal, we uncover over fifteen different forms of cheating that extend far beyond physical infidelity. From emotional connections and digital interactions to financial dishonesty and quality time violations, understanding these variations helps partners align on what constitutes betrayal in their unique relationship. Most couples assume they share the same definition of cheating without ever discussing it—a dangerous assumption that often leads to unintentional boundary violations.

The motivation behind infidelity typically stems from deficiencies in five primary relationship needs: love and belonging, freedom, fun, safety and survival, and power. When these fundamental needs go unmet, partners may subconsciously seek fulfillment outside their relationship. By identifying which needs might be lacking, couples can proactively address potential vulnerabilities before betrayal occurs.

Creating an effective cheating policy requires honest, judgment-free communication about expectations and boundaries. This isn't about restricting freedom but rather fostering transparency

Welcome to The Better Relationships Podcast with Dr. Dar Hawks, your guide to building stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Each episode dives into Dr. Dar’s proven Relationship Success Framework, offering practical strategies to help you express your needs, handle difficult conversations, and nurture emotional harmony in all your relationships. Ready to understand yourself and your loved ones better? Take the free Primary Relationship Needs Quiz at needs.drdarhawks.com and start your jou

Did you know? Taking the Primary Relationship Needs Quiz doesn’t just give you insight—it also grants you free access to Dr. Dar’s Relationship Education Video Series and the Better Relationships Community. Inside, you’ll find monthly live events, grounded relationship guidance, and exclusive coaching rates—everything designed to help you feel supported and empowered in your relationships. Visit needs.drdarhawks.com to join our community today!

Thanks for listening today! If something in this episode spoke to you, Dr. Dar would love to connect. You can book a consultation here or take the free quiz at needs.drdarhawks.com if you haven't done so yet. This podcast is for coaching support and education only.

Support the show

Take my free Primary Relationship Needs Quiz to discover your dominant, secondary, and shadow Primary Relationship Needs by visiting https://needs.drdarhawks.com. This one thing will help you better understand yourself, your partner, and your relationship, and even improve communication and connection between you and your partner.

Note: The quiz name has changed from Sovereign Relationship Needs to Primary Relationship Needs as of July 2024. Please keep that in mind for podcasts dated before July 2024.

Book a coaching session: https://huddle.drdarhawks.com

Follow me:
LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/drdarhawks
Facebook https://facebook.com/drdarhawks1
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I would love to hear from you. What did you think about this episode? Do you have any questions?

Ever found yourself thinking, "They should just know what I need"? That silent expectation might be quietly destroying your relationships. In this eye-opening exploration of unspoken and unrealistic expectations, Dr. Dar Hawks reveals why the standards we never verbalize become the invisible architects of our disappointment.

When we expect perfection, constant happiness, or mind-reading abilities from our partners, we create impossible standards no real relationship can meet. Dr. Hawks breaks down how these expectations manifest differently depending on your primary relationship need – whether you prioritize love and belonging, freedom, fun, safety, or power. By understanding which need drives your expectations, you gain crucial insight into the assumptions you make about how others should treat you.

The most powerful revelation? Fulfilling your expectations isn't primarily your partner's responsibility—it's yours. While others can contribute to meeting your needs, the accountability begins with you. Dr. Hawks offers practical strategies for communicating expectations effectively, setting realistic boundaries, and negotiating when expectations differ. She emphasizes the importance of discussing needs during moments of emotional clarity rather than heated arguments.

Perhaps most transformative is becoming the exemplary model of your own expectations. When you consistently demonstrate the behaviors you desire—whether it's open communication, loyalty, or quality time—you create an environment where t

Welcome to The Better Relationships Podcast with Dr. Dar Hawks, your guide to building stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Each episode dives into Dr. Dar’s proven Relationship Success Framework, offering practical strategies to help you express your needs, handle difficult conversations, and nurture emotional harmony in all your relationships. Ready to understand yourself and your loved ones better? Take the free Primary Relationship Needs Quiz at needs.drdarhawks.com and start your jou

Did you know? Taking the Primary Relationship Needs Quiz doesn’t just give you insight—it also grants you free access to Dr. Dar’s Relationship Education Video Series and the Better Relationships Community. Inside, you’ll find monthly live events, grounded relationship guidance, and exclusive coaching rates—everything designed to help you feel supported and empowered in your relationships. Visit needs.drdarhawks.com to join our community today!

Thanks for listening today! If something in this episode spoke to you, Dr. Dar would love to connect. You can book a consultation here or take the free quiz at needs.drdarhawks.com if you haven't done so yet. This podcast is for coaching support and education only.

Support the show

Take my free Primary Relationship Needs Quiz to discover your dominant, secondary, and shadow Primary Relationship Needs by visiting https://needs.drdarhawks.com. This one thing will help you better understand yourself, your partner, and your relationship, and even improve communication and connection between you and your partner.

Note: The quiz name has changed from Sovereign Relationship Needs to Primary Relationship Needs as of July 2024. Please keep that in mind for podcasts dated before July 2024.

Book a coaching session: https://huddle.drdarhawks.com

Follow me:
LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/drdarhawks
Facebook https://facebook.com/drdarhawks1
Instagram https://instagram.com/dr.dar.hawks
Pinterest https://pinterest.com/drdarhawks

I would love to hear from you. What did you think about this episode? Do you have any questions?

Ever wondered why some relationships crumble despite no obvious conflicts? The answer might lie in something invisible yet powerful: unmet expectations. Dr. Dar dives deep into what she calls "the silent relationship killer" – those unspoken guidelines that shape how we interact with others and experience emotions in our relationships.

Expectations aren't merely hopes or desires; they're fundamental frameworks formed by our personal values, past experiences, and cultural influences. When left uncommunicated, these expectations create significant disconnects between partners, leading to misunderstandings, resentment, and relationship deterioration. "Uncommunicated and unrealistic expectations always lead to upset in relationships," Dr. Dar emphasizes, highlighting the importance of bringing these hidden standards into the open.

Financial expectations represent one of the most common battlegrounds in relationships. From differing views on income contribution and spending habits to approaches toward saving and debt management, money matters often trigger significant conflicts when expectations don't align. Dr. Dar offers practical guidance for addressing these differences, including establishing healthy financial habits together, clarifying responsibilities, and maintaining open communication about financial matters.

Beyond romantic relationships, expectations influence all our connections – with friends, family members, coworkers, and managers. Each relationship type carries its own set of common ex

Welcome to The Better Relationships Podcast with Dr. Dar Hawks, your guide to building stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Each episode dives into Dr. Dar’s proven Relationship Success Framework, offering practical strategies to help you express your needs, handle difficult conversations, and nurture emotional harmony in all your relationships. Ready to understand yourself and your loved ones better? Take the free Primary Relationship Needs Quiz at needs.drdarhawks.com and start your jou

Did you know? Taking the Primary Relationship Needs Quiz doesn’t just give you insight—it also grants you free access to Dr. Dar’s Relationship Education Video Series and the Better Relationships Community. Inside, you’ll find monthly live events, grounded relationship guidance, and exclusive coaching rates—everything designed to help you feel supported and empowered in your relationships. Visit needs.drdarhawks.com to join our community today!

Thanks for listening today! If something in this episode spoke to you, Dr. Dar would love to connect. You can book a consultation here or take the free quiz at needs.drdarhawks.com if you haven't done so yet. This podcast is for coaching support and education only.

Support the show

Take my free Primary Relationship Needs Quiz to discover your dominant, secondary, and shadow Primary Relationship Needs by visiting https://needs.drdarhawks.com. This one thing will help you better understand yourself, your partner, and your relationship, and even improve communication and connection between you and your partner.

Note: The quiz name has changed from Sovereign Relationship Needs to Primary Relationship Needs as of July 2024. Please keep that in mind for podcasts dated before July 2024.

Book a coaching session: https://huddle.drdarhawks.com

Follow me:
LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/drdarhawks
Facebook https://facebook.com/drdarhawks1
Instagram https://instagram.com/dr.dar.hawks
Pinterest https://pinterest.com/drdarhawks