ICYMI: Defensiveness vs Assertiveness

In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits with her husband, Greg, to unpack the often-misconceived topic of assertive vs defensive communication styles. They answer real questions from the community about what it looks like to champion self-respect and a deeper understanding of your partner by lending practical steps to change the defensive patterns in our relationships and implementing assertive and authentic responses. In this episode, they discuss: Important examples of defensive and assertive responses How modelled communication styles from your personal history effects your present communication styles The effect that the words we use have on our inner narratives The ways that adequacy, shame, and self-worth play a part in our responses How self-respect is a key player in understanding defensiveness The key differences between the female and male experience in our responses How assertiveness creates space for your thoughts, feelings, needs, and your partner’s understanding This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp and HoneyLove. RESOURCES: Preorder my new book! You, Your Husband, and His Mother Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection? ⁠⁠Download my 100 Questions⁠⁠ Build better connection and feel close starting today. Join the ⁠⁠30 Days to Us Challenge⁠⁠ LINKS: Better Help: Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/TRACY HoneyLove: Save 10% at honeylove.com/TRACY K12 Powered Schools: Learn more at k12.com/TRACY Quince Bedding: Luxury bedding. Free Shipping at quince.com/TRACY ⁠Vionic Shoes⁠: Use code TRACY for 15% off at https://www.vionicshoes.com Mint Mobile: Just $15 a month with mintmobile.com/TRACY AirDoctorPro: Save $300 with code TRACY at https://airdoctorpro.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices