Skip to main content

Stan Tatkin - on Love and Relationships

How can you enter into a secure functioning relationship? That is to say, one in which you have each other's backs, you collaborate, there is mutuality, you protect each other and the relationship, and you do not hide anything from each other.
The problem is, after meeting someone and experiencing attraction, most people want to rush to the comfort of commitment instead of taking the necessary time and steps to vet and audition potential partners. Then they fall in love and get attached, and it becomes difficult to separate - because breaking up and rupturing attachment is a huge, stressful trauma for most people. So instead, deal-breakers and warning signs are overlooked and people learn to live with a low-key stress that permanently colours their insecurely functioning relationship with frustration, resentment, unhealed hurts, anger and pain.
The ideal for longevity and a well-functioning, happy relationship is to find someone with whom we can:
1. successfully manage distress and quickly repair injuries
2. generate positive, exciting feelings of love, of looking forward to being together
3. foster a quiet and peaceful love where we can rest and recharge together
Securely functioning individuals are able to pick what is right and good for both people - whereas insecurely attached couples can get caught up in the fear and pain of loss, and so will proceed with an ill suited relationship that they will suffer in and complain about instead of end. By paying attention to the signs and symptoms of those who are self-aware and can care for themselves and their partner simultaneously, you'll be more likely to couple up with someone who has the capacity to engage in the co-creative experience of building a secure and happy relationship that will meet the needs of both people.
Being in a securely functioning relationship, instead of having negativity bias and automatic experiences triggered by painful memories, you'll be able to inquire instead of injure, to comfort instead of withdraw, and to be physically present and connected instead of distracted and distant. That sounds like love to me - compassion, curiosity and connection.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The others

I only change for those who let me But they're too quick to forget me Already out the door As I want to give them more I'm only as happy as I choose But everyone tries to make me They're always trying to please me Instead of telling me what's wrong Am I too sentimental?  I don't ask too much.  Do I sound too certain?  They worry I will get resentful.  All the things they ask of me When in the end, I let it be I've never been one for convincing But they all say I'm a charmer It's only because I run warmer Than what they knew before I don't fake my emotions I'm no manipulator And if you got to know me,  You'd see I'm not a taker I don't fight, I won't fight I just laugh and I cry And I try real hard To make it look I'm alive.  Maybe I hide too much They can never tell my bluff I'm not misunderstood The moment they get me They're not sure if they should. Hope by hope I drip away Fading colour on my lips One by one I lose ...

The angry woman

I am the angry woman I'm bleeding white-hot rage My fury of tears will drown you You should all feel afraid.  My tongue is poised for lashing My feet are here to crush My lungs are filled with fire I cannot stop the rush. My skin is scalding ashes  Of a burning, ember heart My words beat down like hail My screams are lightning darts. Watch me drink the poison And wait for you to die I am the angry woman But you all think I lie. 

You

You give me something no one else can give You make me brave So that I think We could make something out of this Life could be so beautiful But I shouldn't think like this And yet, I've never felt so seen So thoroughly understood You meet me where I stand And lead me to a higher ground Just by being you. Your gaze pierces through me You unearth me. I trust in every word you breathe Your heart has earned my fealty It's sometimes hard to breathe When you're there beside me Thrilling but also comforting I lean into you so effortlessly I never worry anymore If I'm choosing right Or thinking straight You're the best bet I could ever make I like you on the inside as much as out I like your heart, your mind, your actions too I understand your pain I know about your fears I see the broken parts that you try to hide I've never cared like this Not really on the inside I'm selfless now and unafraid Finally - I know how it feels to lov...