In this episode, I share what has helped my long-term relationship over four decades.

I was asked to share my secrets with a large group of physicians which got me thinking.

I realized that I have no secrets but I do have an approach. And since I started appraoching my relationship with intention, it is better than ever.

Resentment grows from silent expectations. Shifting from expectation to intention makes more room for connection.

What would love do now? guides me as a practical filter for tone, attention, listening, and repair. It's especially useful given our mismatched neurotypes and when our nervous systems are depleted.

In this episode, I share

• Why needing to "being right" interferes with connection

• The cost of silent expectations and resentment

• The value of replacing expectations with clear intentions

• "What would love do now?" as a moment-to-moment practice

• How nervous system depletion turns neutral moments into conflict

• Why friendship and fun matter

Pearls of Wisdom

• Clear intentions open doors, resentment keeps shut

• Love becomes steadier when we treat it as a verb

• Long-term relationships are built through practice: listening, repair, trying again

• Protecting health protects the relationship

• Friendship sustains intimacy: staying on the same team, looking up, making room for fun

Reflection questions:

• What silent expectations are you holding?

• What intention do you want to bring into your next hard conversation: connection, kindness, honesty, peace?

• When you are depleted, what support would help you respond instead of react?

• How could you treat our partner more like a friend this week—lighter, more generous, more on the same team?

Ways to work with me
https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/
https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats
https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/yoga
https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/jessies-blog

Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.