This week, Valeria sits down with relational wellness expert and therapist, Maria Sosa. Join Valeria and Maria as they dive deeper into the heart of relational wellness therapy, truly being heard in your relationship, how to reignite intimacy, and finding the beauty in missed connections. In this episode, we navigate the complexities of love, growth, and communication, and are reminded that even in the uncomfortable moments, the potential for meaningful connection is endless.  You can find Maria on:  https://www.holisticallygrace.com/  https://www.instagram.com/holisticallygrace/  https://www.instagram.com/mindmeetsbodypodcast/  Mind Meets Body Valeria is on: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWkDFq1pO7YNzifE3A4UsMA  https://www.tiktok.com/@valeria.lipovetsky  Not Alone Podcast What We Talked About: 00:00 Intro 00:05 What is relational wellness therapy? 03:45 What is effective communication in a relationship? 06:15 When communication is not being understood 09:30 Modern relationships now have negotiating roles 11:26 Couple tips for managing finances 13:58 How do you reignite intimacy? 18:37 Focus on the missed connections 21:15 Tools to help reconnect with your partner 23:54 Personal growth may bring couples apart 26:06 Struggles arise when there is disparity in growth 29:11 What is your definition of commitment? 31:38 Why negotiations are crucial in any marriage 34:14 The reality of long-term relationships 37:46 Feeling uncomfortable is not the end 41:13 Couples bring their individuality into the marriage 42:53 Love as a feeling vs love as a verb 46:37 The origins of marriages 50:49 Should there be a power struggle? 52:35 Work-life balance doesn’t include relationship growth 58:43 Relationships take time  59:42 The standards of a perfect marriage  01:06:01 Questions to ask before getting married