In this conversation, Mark Hicks delves into the complexities of love and relationships, emphasizing the importance of respect as a non-negotiable element in healthy connections. He discusses the challenges of navigating unhealthy relationships, the necessity of setting boundaries, and the foundational role of self-love in fostering healthy interactions. Mark encourages listeners to seek help when dealing with difficult relationships and highlights the potential for change when boundaries are established.

Takeaways

• Love is often discussed but not fully understood or practiced.
• Respect is a fundamental non-negotiable in relationships.
• Unhealthy relationships require constant effort to earn love and respect.
• Compassion is essential when dealing with those who struggle to love healthily.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for self-respect and healthy relationships.
• Self-love is foundational to establishing healthy boundaries.
• We are inherently worthy of love and respect, regardless of our flaws.
• Seeking help from professionals can aid in navigating complex relationships.
• People can change, but we cannot expect it to happen.
• Healthy relationships cannot thrive in the presence of toxic ones.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this episode of the Love Story Podcast, host Ashley Green interviews Mark Hicks, author of 'Learning Love.' Mark shares his insights on the five components of love, drawing from his personal experiences and professional background in counseling. He emphasizes that love is a learned skillset and discusses the importance of self-love, boundaries, and the role of grief in building healthy relationships. The conversation explores how to navigate emotional connections and practical decisions in relationships, ultimately guiding listeners towards healthier interactions with themselves and others. In this conversation, Mark Hicks and Ashley Green explore the essential components of love, emphasizing kindness, patience, passion, and the importance of seeking help in navigating relationships and personal growth. They discuss the crisis of loneliness in modern society and the necessity of learning love as a skill rather than a mere instinct. The dialogue encourages listeners to embrace fun, live in the moment, and recognize the value of professional guidance in achieving emotional health and fulfilling relationships.

Takeaways

• Love can be learned and practiced as a skillset.
• Healthy relationships require understanding and practicing the five components of love.
• Grief is a necessary process for healing and moving forward in relationships.
• Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy relationships.
• Self-love is foundational to loving others effectively.
• Emotional connections are important but must be balanced with practicality.
• Encouragement and positive self-talk can help break negative thought patterns.
• Relationships may need to end if they become abusive or unhealthy.
• Understanding the components of love can help navigate relationship challenges.
• It's important to accept oneself to foster better relationships with others. Be patient and kind to yourself and others.
• Passion and fun are essential for a fulfilling life.
• Life is serious, but we must prioritize enjoyment.
• Labels can hinder personal growth and self-acceptance.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the concept of being triggered and how it affects our relationships. He emphasizes that while being triggered is a natural human instinct, how we respond to those triggers is our responsibility. Hicks provides strategies for managing emotional responses, including taking time to breathe, using sensory techniques, and making wise decisions to maintain healthy relationships. He highlights the importance of understanding our triggers and responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.

Takeaways

• Being triggered is a natural human instinct.
• How we respond to triggers is our responsibility.
• We need a strategy to handle our emotional responses.
• Triggers can stem from past trauma and emotional harm.
• The brain reacts similarly to physical and emotional attacks.
• Immediate reactions are only necessary in extreme situations.
• Taking time to respond can prevent relationship damage.
• Deep breathing can help calm heightened senses.
• The 5-4-3-2-1 method can ground us during overwhelming moments.
• Healthy relationships require thoughtful communication and responses.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark discusses the inevitable mistakes we make in relationships and how to navigate them effectively. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our errors, understanding their impact on others, and the necessity of sincere apologies. Mark also highlights the distinction between guilt and shame, advocating for a healthy approach to personal growth and relationship repair. The conversation concludes with strategies for restoring relationships and the importance of seeking help when needed.

Takeaways

• We all make mistakes in relationships.
• It's crucial to recognize the impact of our actions.
• Apologies should be sincere and specific.
• Guilt can be constructive, while shame is not.
• Allow others the time to process their feelings.
• Making amends involves changing our behavior.
• Doing something nice can help restore relationships.
• Seek help if you find yourself repeating mistakes.
• Healthy relationships require effort and strategy.
• Being human means we will mess up sometimes.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark Hicks shares his journey of writing and publishing his book 'Learning Love', which explores the importance of love and relationships. He discusses the challenges he faced, the people who supported him, and the life lessons he learned along the way. The book not only serves as a practical guide to building healthy relationships but also incorporates a charitable aspect, where part of the proceeds will help lift children out of poverty through a unique initiative. Mark emphasizes the significance of showing up in relationships and life, and how this can lead to meaningful connections and a life that matters.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer, and exploring questions about it is essential.
• The journey of writing a book can teach valuable lessons about relationships.
• Building healthy relationships requires effort and commitment.
• Meeting new people can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
• Love is a learned skill that can be developed over time.
• Relationships are intertwined with living a life that matters.
• Showing up in relationships is crucial for their success.
• Life is about connections, and no one achieves anything alone.
• The act of giving love can have a profound impact on others.
• Charity and love can work hand in hand to create positive change.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Dr. Mark Hicks explores the concept of enmeshment in relationships, contrasting it with healthy relationship dynamics. He discusses how enmeshment leads to a loss of identity and autonomy, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and personal growth. Mark provides insights into recognizing unhealthy patterns and encourages listeners to seek help in navigating these complex dynamics to foster healthier relationships.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer, but we must explore the questions.
• Enmeshment blurs the lines of personhood, leading to unhealthy dynamics.
• Healthy relationships respect individual boundaries and identities.
• In enmeshed relationships, one often loses their sense of self.
• Motivation in healthy relationships should focus on mutual growth.
• Autonomy is essential for maintaining a healthy identity in relationships.
• Setting boundaries can be challenging but is necessary for personal health.
• You do not have to maintain relationships that are harmful to you.
• Healthy relationships allow for exploration and personal development.
• There is hope and a good life on the other side of unhealthy relationships.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this conversation, Mark explores the epidemic of loneliness that many individuals face, even in the presence of relationships. He discusses the difference between solitude and loneliness, the impact of trauma on emotional well-being, the importance of self-love, and the necessity of building authentic connections to combat feelings of loneliness. Mark emphasizes the need for professional help when dealing with chronic loneliness and encourages listeners to foster deeper relationships in their lives.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to loneliness.
• Loneliness is a widespread issue, termed a public health crisis.
• Chronic loneliness can lead to severe mental health issues.
• Solitude can be beneficial if approached correctly.
• Trauma can create emotional barriers that lead to loneliness.
• Grieving through past hurts is essential for emotional healing.
• Self-love is crucial for building healthy relationships.
• Superficial relationships do not fulfill emotional needs.
• Authentic connections are necessary to overcome loneliness.
• Seeking professional help is vital for chronic loneliness.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/

In this episode, Dr. Mark Hicks discusses the essential elements of sustaining healthy relationships. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in doing small, easy things rather than relying on grand gestures. The conversation explores how relationships should not be viewed as battles to be won but rather as a dance to be enjoyed. Dr. Hicks provides insights on the dangers of control in relationships and encourages listeners to focus on building connections through appreciation and everyday actions.

Takeaways

• Relationships are about doing what is easy consistently.
• We are not meant to live in crisis; constant crisis indicates dysfunction.
• Small gestures like saying thank you are crucial for relationship health.
• Grand gestures do not sustain relationships; they are bonuses.
• Control in relationships leads to conflict and dysfunction.
• Relationships should be viewed as a dance, not a battle.
• Focus on the little things to build a strong foundation.
• Consistency in actions is key to maintaining healthy relationships.
• Dysfunctional patterns from upbringing can affect adult relationships.
• Everyone deserves happy, healthy, thriving relationships.

Dr. Mark A. Hicks, author of the book 'Learning Love,' provides tangible, real-life insights on how to build healthy, happy, thriving relationships, even if you come from a dysfunctional family background, have been through a divorce, or struggled with relationships in the past. Love isn't about fate. Love is a skill set, and this is the place to learn that skill set as we spend some time learning love.

Pre-Order "Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-love-mark-a-hicks/1146412363?ean=9781636985954

Visit Dr. Mark A. Hicks online: https://www.markahicks.com/