{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"ERP 528: Love as a Practice: How Virtues Help Couples Stay Connected and Aligned - An Interview with Susanne Alexander","description":"What if the key to lasting love wasn\u2019t just about finding the right person, but about growing the right partnership? Too often, couples step into long-term relationships without the relational tools, shared vision, or understanding of virtues that make for true unity. Instead of connection, misunderstandings and unresolved conflicts take root\u2014leaving even the most committed couples wondering how to sustain harmony and joy in the face of life\u2019s everyday challenges. In this episode, listeners are guided through a practical roadmap for cultivating deeper unity within their relationships. Drawing on decades of experience and research, the conversation unpacks how virtues like respect, kindness, and flexibility serve as foundational elements to thriving partnerships. Listeners will hear about the stages of relational growth, learn tangible practices for resolving differences, and discover how to create a shared language and vision that brings them closer\u2014not only to each other, but to a happier, more resilient family life. Susanne M. Alexander is a relationship and marriage educator and coach with her company, Marriage Transformation. She is certified to offer couples assessments and coaching through Prepare-Enrich\u00ae and for individuals with the Character Foundations Assessment\u2122. Susanne has written\/co-written over 30 books, including the most recent \u201cGrowing Our Unity: 19 Vital Practices for a Thriving Relationship\u201d. Susanne is co-lead on Accordia Way, a project that assists couples with excellent communication and decision-making skills.   Episode Highlights 04:05 The Importance of character and virtues in relationships. 08:27 Developing and sustaining virtues: Tools, assessments, and early influences. 12:16 Virtues Project origins and the concept of unity as a relationship virtue. 15:33 Practicing unity without losing individuality. 17:54 The process of reaching unified decisions in relationships. 20:50 Navigating individualism and control dynamics in partnerships. 23:31 Balancing autonomy, collaboration, and flexibility. 27:49 The impact of unity on family, children, and community. 29:52 The 19 vital practices and applying virtues in everyday life. 35:11 Restoring connection and humor under relationship stress. 38:15 Consultation process: Detaching ego and co-creating solutions. 41:24 Symbolism in relationships and making unity a daily practice.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Schedule regular times to discuss important topics as a couple, allowing the conversation to flow naturally rather than treating it like a formal meeting. Identify and openly share your individual strengths and growth areas in relational virtues such as kindness, patience, and responsibility. Observe and assess your partner\u2019s demonstration of key virtues in various situations to gauge character compatibility and growth potential. Work on developing one or two virtues at a time rather than overwhelming yourselves with too many at once; focus on practical application each month. Prioritize unity during decision-making processes by listening to each partner\u2019s perspective and postponing decisions if mutual agreement isn't reached. Incorporate rituals or symbols (like a decorative bowl during conversations) to facilitate ego detachment and emphasize shared goals. Reflect as a couple on the integrity and unity of your relationship before individually committing to new community or family obligations. Participate in couples\u2019 groups or study circles to learn from and support each other in practicing relational virtues and building unity.   Mentioned Growing Our Unity (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Marriage Can Be Forever - Preparation Counts! (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Accordia Way Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love (Free guide)   Connect with Susanne Alexander Website: marriagetransformation.com Facebook: facebook.com\/MarriageTransformation YouTube: youtube.com\/user\/SusanneMAlexander Instagram: instagram.com\/coachsusannealexander LinkedIn: linkedin.com\/company\/marriage-transformation   ","author_name":"Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide","author_url":"https:\/\/www.drjessicahiggins.com\/","html":"