Creating Connections Blog

The Art of Honest Communication: Using Awareness to Transform Bad Habits
The Intimacy Pyramid, Honesty, Awareness Matthew Raabsmith The Intimacy Pyramid, Honesty, Awareness Matthew Raabsmith

The Art of Honest Communication: Using Awareness to Transform Bad Habits

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling unheard, frustrated, or disconnected? You might have wondered what went wrong—why your message wasn’t received as intended or why you felt like you weren’t being listened to. More often than not, poor communication habits are the root cause of these disconnects.

The good news? Once you recognize these habits, you can start making conscious changes that lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. Communication is more than just speaking—it’s about how we listen, engage, and show up for others. When we improve our ability to connect, we build stronger relationships based on honesty, safety, trust, vulnerability, and intimacy. Many couples ask us how they maintain the most vibrant connection after they have built a strong intimate connection. Something that has been vital for us personally and for the hundreds of couples that we have supported over the years is a lifelong commitment to self improvement. Not as another task to be done but as a unique opportunity to experience more thriving in your life and relationships.

Let’s explore some common poor communication habits that may be sabotaging your conversations and, more importantly, how to fix them.

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Building Intimacy in Your Relationship: The Journey of Connection, Trust, and Growth
The Intimacy Pyramid, Couples Matthew Raabsmith The Intimacy Pyramid, Couples Matthew Raabsmith

Building Intimacy in Your Relationship: The Journey of Connection, Trust, and Growth

We’re excited to dive into a topic that has been central to both our work and our own marriage: intimacy. It’s the foundation of healthy relationships, yet many of us struggle to build and maintain it. But here’s the thing—we believe intimacy is worth the effort. It's not just a nice-to-have; it’s something that helps us weather life's storms and thrive through its joys.

Today, we’re going to break down what intimacy really means, why it’s worth pursuing, and how you can build it in your own relationship—whether you're starting from scratch or working through some bumps in the road.

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