What is an Exceptional Relationship?
As two people join together, their shared life can become truly exceptional when there is also a marriage of security and adventure, individuality and intimacy, harmony and conflict, the cozy and the erotic, the powerful and the most vulnerable. Long term commitment to a life partner is for many the greatest undertaking we will ever encounter.
We have spent the last 4 decades committed to discovering how to create an exceptional marriage. We were compelled not only by a professional drive to help other couples, but by our own personal desire to create a lasting and passionate union with one another.
What we learned was that marriage invited us to embark on a journey into oftentimes uncharted territory, deep into our own psyches and souls to discover the true meaning of relationship.
Partners feel safe in each other’s presence
Partners can share their inner selves with one another
There is a high degree of trust
There is laughter & lightness
There’s conflict, but quick repair & learning
Partners can take self responsibility
A willingness to learn from what goes wrong
A desire to see each other flourish
Partners can admit to human realities like jealousy, competitiveness, & insecurity
Partners find ways to balance independence & connection