124: How to strengthen your relationships through COVID-19 - with Dr. Gary Chapman

Q: are you feeling like your relationships need a bit of strengthening right now, especially through COVID-19? For many of us, we've been in lockdown with our partners, children, and roommates, spending more time with them than you've likely spent in years! Things are getting frayed at the edges, to say the least. Welp, time to bring in the big guns!

My special guest today is author Dr. Gary Chapman and he's simplifying how to strengthen your relationships through COVID-19. I phoned up Dr Gary wanting to get his valuable insight on things, especially given his 5 Love Languages wisdom. Lord knows, things have changed significantly since we last spoke and I knew that Dr Gary would have the words to help us calm our hearts and build bridges in our relationships.

Here's how.

We tackle all aspects of it, including:

• How to avoid going stir-crazy during lockdown and how we can give each other a little space and a whole lot of grace
• How to improve your relationship if the other person doesn't want to make the effort. There's still things you can do to take responsibility for your part in the relationship
• For many, deep rooted issues are getting uncovered right now. He shares simple, practical tips on how couples can tackle issues as a team, rather than resorting to the "blame game"
• Why he believes we are seeing an increase in domestic violence during this time - how it starts and what can be done to prevent it
• …and ultimately, how couples can begin to tear down emotional walls and become stronger together

I think of Dr Gary Chapman like Dolly Parton or Betty White… an absolute national treasure who should be wrapped in bubble wrap and protected, at all costs during these times. He's a delight to chat with and is overflowing with wisdom and love.

My hope is this conversation sparks a new idea in you, too.

Show notes available with all LINKS mentioned here: https://thesimplifiers.com/podcast/gary-chapman-strengthen-relationships-COVID19