The deeper the love, the more uncomfortable it gets, and learning how to work with that truth may change the way you relate forever.

If you’ve ever wondered why love sometimes feels harder over time, why irritation replaces ease, or why closeness can feel strangely destabilizing, this conversation offers a grounded and deeply wise and kind perspective. Rather than trying to fix or escape discomfort, you’ll learn how meeting it together can actually deepen intimacy and connection.

In this Best of episode, Jonathan sits down with writer and meditation teacher Susan Piver, New York Times bestselling author of The Four Noble Truths of Love: Buddhist Wisdom for Modern Relationships. Susan has studied Buddhism for more than 30 years and founded The Open Heart Project, an online dharma community with nearly 20,000 members.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

• A simple reframe that explains why love feels hardest with the people we care about most
• How discomfort can become a doorway to deeper intimacy rather than a sign that something’s wrong
• The subtle way self-criticism quietly shapes how we treat our partners
• A powerful alternative to blame that changes how conflict unfolds
• Why intimacy can deepen even when romance naturally fades

Love isn’t meant to be comfortable or predictable. It’s meant to be alive. Press play to learn how to stay open, connected, and compassionate when relationships feel hardest.

You can find Susan Piver at: Website | Instagram | Episode Transcript

Next week, be sure to tune in for my conversation with Lisa Mosconi about women’s brain health, menopause, and what it all means for long-term cognitive wellbeing.

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