My Colleague Hedy Schleifer uses the term ‘Space-Between’ when describing what occurs energetically between two people in a relationship. I find this term very useful and wanted to share my point of view with you.
Consider that Relationships live in the ‘Space-Between’ you and your partner? The space that often you can feel but do not see. This is the space where your children are, the space where they grow up and learn values.
Have you ever wondered what happens in this space when you yell at your partner, or belittle him/her? And the effect negative behaviors have upon your children’s development?
So, how can you keep the ‘Space-Between’ safe for your partner and for your children?
Creating a Safe ‘Space-Between’
- Communicate safely and effectively with each other
- Building trust and intimacy
- Be willing to hear and actively listen to what your partner has to say
- Value your partners point of view
- Respect your partners feelings
- Show empathy towards your partner
- Show appreciation for what your partner does
- Respect your partner’s point of view
Leave the following in another room:
- Criticism
- Contempt
- Defensiveness – Defense is the 1st act of war
- Stonewalling
- Resentments
The ‘Space-Between’ is thriving when you have:
- Affection in Public
- Passion in Private
- Fidelity
- Quality Time Together
- Confiding
- Mutual Interests/Activities
- Shared Decision-Making
- Shared Housework
- Shared Parenting
What great ways to nourish your relationship. Everyone knows couples that people love to be around, this defines why we love being in their space.
Most of the things you articulate happens to be astonishingly precise and that makes me ponder why I hadn’t looked at this with this light previously. This piece really did turn the light on for me personally. Very well done.