In this conversation, Mark discusses the inevitable mistakes we make in relationships and how to navigate them effectively. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our errors, understanding their impact on others, and the necessity of sincere apologies. Mark also highlights the distinction between guilt and shame, advocating for a healthy approach to personal growth and relationship repair. The conversation concludes with strategies for restoring relationships and the importance of seeking help when needed.

Takeaways

• We all make mistakes in relationships.
• It's crucial to recognize the impact of our actions.
• Apologies should be sincere and specific.
• Guilt can be constructive, while shame is not.
• Allow others the time to process their feelings.
• Making amends involves changing our behavior.
• Doing something nice can help restore relationships.
• Seek help if you find yourself repeating mistakes.
• Healthy relationships require effort and strategy.
• Being human means we will mess up sometimes.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks shares his journey of writing and publishing his book 'Learning Love', which explores the importance of love and relationships. He discusses the challenges he faced, the people who supported him, and the life lessons he learned along the way. The book not only serves as a practical guide to building healthy relationships but also incorporates a charitable aspect, where part of the proceeds will help lift children out of poverty through a unique initiative. Mark emphasizes the significance of showing up in relationships and life, and how this can lead to meaningful connections and a life that matters.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer, and exploring questions about it is essential.
• The journey of writing a book can teach valuable lessons about relationships.
• Building healthy relationships requires effort and commitment.
• Meeting new people can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
• Love is a learned skill that can be developed over time.
• Relationships are intertwined with living a life that matters.
• Showing up in relationships is crucial for their success.
• Life is about connections, and no one achieves anything alone.
• The act of giving love can have a profound impact on others.
• Charity and love can work hand in hand to create positive change.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Dr. Mark Hicks explores the concept of enmeshment in relationships, contrasting it with healthy relationship dynamics. He discusses how enmeshment leads to a loss of identity and autonomy, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and personal growth. Mark provides insights into recognizing unhealthy patterns and encourages listeners to seek help in navigating these complex dynamics to foster healthier relationships.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer, but we must explore the questions.
• Enmeshment blurs the lines of personhood, leading to unhealthy dynamics.
• Healthy relationships respect individual boundaries and identities.
• In enmeshed relationships, one often loses their sense of self.
• Motivation in healthy relationships should focus on mutual growth.
• Autonomy is essential for maintaining a healthy identity in relationships.
• Setting boundaries can be challenging but is necessary for personal health.
• You do not have to maintain relationships that are harmful to you.
• Healthy relationships allow for exploration and personal development.
• There is hope and a good life on the other side of unhealthy relationships.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark explores the epidemic of loneliness that many individuals face, even in the presence of relationships. He discusses the difference between solitude and loneliness, the impact of trauma on emotional well-being, the importance of self-love, and the necessity of building authentic connections to combat feelings of loneliness. Mark emphasizes the need for professional help when dealing with chronic loneliness and encourages listeners to foster deeper relationships in their lives.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to loneliness.
• Loneliness is a widespread issue, termed a public health crisis.
• Chronic loneliness can lead to severe mental health issues.
• Solitude can be beneficial if approached correctly.
• Trauma can create emotional barriers that lead to loneliness.
• Grieving through past hurts is essential for emotional healing.
• Self-love is crucial for building healthy relationships.
• Superficial relationships do not fulfill emotional needs.
• Authentic connections are necessary to overcome loneliness.
• Seeking professional help is vital for chronic loneliness.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this episode, Dr. Mark Hicks discusses the essential elements of sustaining healthy relationships. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in doing small, easy things rather than relying on grand gestures. The conversation explores how relationships should not be viewed as battles to be won but rather as a dance to be enjoyed. Dr. Hicks provides insights on the dangers of control in relationships and encourages listeners to focus on building connections through appreciation and everyday actions.

Takeaways

• Relationships are about doing what is easy consistently.
• We are not meant to live in crisis; constant crisis indicates dysfunction.
• Small gestures like saying thank you are crucial for relationship health.
• Grand gestures do not sustain relationships; they are bonuses.
• Control in relationships leads to conflict and dysfunction.
• Relationships should be viewed as a dance, not a battle.
• Focus on the little things to build a strong foundation.
• Consistency in actions is key to maintaining healthy relationships.
• Dysfunctional patterns from upbringing can affect adult relationships.
• Everyone deserves happy, healthy, thriving relationships.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this episode, Dr. Mark Hicks discusses the complexities of balancing relationships in a busy life. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that perfect balance is a myth and introduces the concept of constant balancing across five key areas: family, work, community, friendships, and self-care. Dr. Hicks encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and to monitor and adjust their focus on these areas to build thriving relationships and a fulfilling life.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to thriving relationships.
• Balancing relationships is a constant activity, not a fixed state.
• It's okay for life to be out of balance temporarily.
• Self-care is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.
• We must monitor and adjust our focus on key areas of life.
• Community involvement is essential for personal fulfillment.
• Don't let self-care fall to the back burner.
• Recognize that different people have different definitions of family.
• Life's demands can shift priorities, and that's normal.
• Building a thriving life requires constant attention and adjustment.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this episode, Dr. Mark A Hicks explores the intricate relationship between love and respect, emphasizing that they are intertwined in healthy relationships. He discusses the consequences of separating the two, particularly in dysfunctional relationships, and offers insights on how to rebuild respect through communication and kindness. The conversation highlights the importance of mutual respect in navigating relationships and provides practical advice for fostering a thriving partnership.

Takeaways

• Love and respect are fundamentally intertwined in healthy relationships.
• You can love someone without respecting them, but it's dysfunctional.
• Healthy relationships require both love and respect.
• Communication is key to navigating disagreements in relationships.
• Respecting each other's opinions is crucial for a thriving relationship.
• Being polite and courteous can help rebuild respect.
• Power dynamics can harm relationships; mutual respect is essential.
• Recognizing the importance of boundaries is vital in relationships.
• Rebuilding respect takes time and effort, but it's necessary.
• Healthy relationships allow for both partners' feelings to be valued equally.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this episode, Dr. Mark Hicks discusses the common issue of lackluster relationships, emphasizing that it's not necessarily a sign of dysfunction but rather a phase that many relationships go through. He offers insights on how to revitalize these connections by focusing on understanding partners better and reducing their suffering. By paying attention to the small changes in our loved ones' lives and being there to support them, we can foster deeper connections and build thriving relationships that endure through life's ups and downs.

Takeaways

• Lackluster relationships are common and can be revitalized.
• People change over time; relationships need to adapt.
• Focus on knowing more about your partner each day.
• Pay attention to the small nuances in your loved ones' lives.
• Reducing suffering in relationships is essential for growth.
• Support each other during tough times to strengthen bonds.
• Relationships thrive on mutual care and attention.
• It's important to communicate openly about feelings.
• Building a thriving relationship requires effort from both sides.
• Celebrate the good times together to enhance connection.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/