In this episode of The Secure Love Podcast, Julie explores the challenges Melissa and Drew face during their anniversary trip. Despite overall enjoyment, the couple encounters difficulties in connecting, highlighting the complexities of transitioning from daily responsibilities to relaxation. Melissa struggles to unwind and feels disconnected from Drew, who seems more at ease. As listeners, we might consider: How do we handle the shift from our usual routines to moments of leisure with our partners? Do we find ourselves, like Melissa, struggling to relax, or like Drew, easily disconnecting from daily stressors? The episode delves into the concept of dropped bids for connection, examining how small moments of disconnection can escalate into larger issues. Melissa's attempts to engage Drew are met with resistance, leading to feelings of rejection and ultimately, protest. This pattern raises important questions for reflection: How do we respond to our partner's bids for connection? Are we aware of the signals we're sending when we decline these bids? And when our attempts at connection are unsuccessful, do we, like Melissa, resort to protest as a last resort to be seen and heard? Julie emphasizes that while protest isn't ideal, it often serves as the only effective method for some partners to gain engagement, highlighting the need for clearer communication and more authentic responses in relationships Follow Julie Menanno on social media @thesecurerelationship. For weekly homework assignments visit Julie's website: The Secure Relationship Purchase Julie's book Secure Love: Create a Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime