Defensive Behavior: How to Overcome this Pattern in Your Relationship: Episode 169

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Defensiveness is a learned behavior to compensate for something going on beneath the surface. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A few common sources of defensiveness in relationship:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">A lack of feeling emotionally safe because they often feel invalidated</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Taking something personally (and making it mean something different than what was said)</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Fear of being judged, not loved, abandoned, or punished</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">An attachment to a certain perspective about themselves or the situation</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s the thing...if you and your partner perpetually react with defensiveness, you will leave conversations unresolved, build up more and more tension, and/or get to the point where you feel like you’re walking on eggshells.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So today’s podcast episode goes deeper into understanding why defensiveness shows up in your relationship PLUS how to break this pattern, so you communicate openly and constructively.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Resources For Your Relationship:</strong></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Book a private Couples Session with us. The first one is discounted so you can get a sense that our style WORKS! Read testimonials, details,</span> <a href= "https://www.meetthefreemans.com/couples-coaching"><strong>and schedule one here.</strong></a></li> <li><strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Read our newest book, The Argument Hangover. Get $200 of bonus resources, including a course and workbook.</span> <a href= "https://theargumenthangover.com/">HERE</a></strong></li> </ol> <p> </p