Nine Simple Practices That Strengthen Relationships

Summary

In Episode #99 of the Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner and MaryAnn Michaelis celebrate their 99th episode by sharing nine powerful practices couples can use to strengthen connection, deepen trust, and build meaningful intimacy. Each principle is grounded in years of clinical experience, neuroscience, and relationship research—while remaining practical and accessible for real-life relationships.

Together they explore why emotional safety is the foundation of all connection, the importance of ownership over blame, and how consistent attunement builds emotional closeness. They emphasize spending intentional time together, rebuilding trust through small daily actions, learning to emotionally regulate before communicating, and facing—not avoiding—conflict. They also highlight how positive relational interactions nurture bonding and why dreaming and planning for the future together creates shared hope and purpose.

Listeners are encouraged to start small, picking one area to work on, knowing that meaningful relationships are built one intentional step at a time.

Key References & Influences

These concepts draw from established research and recognized thought leaders in relationships, trauma, emotional regulation, and neurobiology:

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  Polyvagal Theory & Safety
  
  Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation.

  
  


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  Emotional Attunement & Attachment
  
  Siegel, D. J. (2010). The Mindful Therapist: A Clinician’s Guide to Mindsight and Neural Integration.

  
  


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  Trust and Relationship Repair
  
  Gottman, J. & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.
  
  Gottman, J. (2011). What Makes Love Last?

  
  


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  Ownership vs. Blame / Emotional Responsibility
  
  Brown, B. (2015). Rising Strong.

  
  


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  Conflict Resolution & The Zeigarnik Effect
  
  Zeigarnik, B. (1927). On Finished and Unfinished Tasks. Psychologische Forschung.

  
  


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  Hope & Future Orientation
  
  Seligman, M. (2018). The Hope Circuit: A Psychologist’s Journey from Helplessness to Optimism.

  
  


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  Trauma, Safety & Human Connection
  
  van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score.

  
  

Conference Invitation

If you’re ready to go deeper in strengthening your relationship, we invite you to join us at the Human Intimacy 2nd Annual Conference.

Use coupon code 50off to receive 50% off registration (limited time):

https://humanintimacy.zohobackstage.com/HumanIntimacy2ndAnnualConference#/

 

Online Supplemental Course: (It’s Free)

The Human Intimacy Companion Course