In this episode, Angela explores one of the most quietly powerful — and quietly neglected — forces in long-term relationships: fondness and admiration. Drawing from Gottman Method research and Emotion-Focused Therapy, Angela unpacks why expressed admiration is foundational to relational health, what happens when it goes underground, and how small, specific, consistent acts of saying what you genuinely value in your partner can transform the emotional climate of your relationship — one moment at a time.

Relationship Reset Challenge

The Admiration Audit

Sit quietly for five minutes and identify three things you genuinely admire about your partner — not what they do, but who they are. Their character, their spirit, the way they move through the world. Then find a moment this week to say one of them out loud. Specific, genuine, unprompted. Just because it's true. And if you're feeling brave — say all three.

Resources Mentioned

• Arms Open Counselling resources and blog posts: www.armsopencounselling.com

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Presented by: Angela Kingma

Edited by: Tayte McHugh