You may think you know what makes your partner feel close to you. But what if you’re putting effort into the wrong thing?

In this episode of Imperfect Relationships, Brett gets into the forms of intimacy couples often overlook—from emotional and intellectual connection to shared experiences—and offers a way to find out where your assumptions don’t match. Because a relationship can be solid in one area and lonely in another.

The conversation also explores five relationship archetypes, from “heartfelt but hectic” to “devoted but divergent.” They aren’t diagnoses. They’re a way to put words to what’s happening—and start a more honest conversation about it.

In this episode:

-Why “we’re fine” can hide very different experiences of a relationship

-Five archetypes for describing the season a relationship is in

-Why intimacy is more than sex—and why that distinction matters

-The “intimacy menu”: a practical exercise for comparing what each partner values

-How ordinary gestures, deep conversations, vulnerability, and shared experiences can carry different weight for each person

-Why couples can feel disconnected even when they’re making an effort

-How to talk about intimacy without treating it as taboo

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Website: ArtofCoaching.com

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In this episode, Brett dives into the relationship side of things, giving you a sneak peek into our Imperfect Relationships content.

Whether we’re talking about relationships with your kids, your spouse, a romantic partner, or anyone else in your life, understanding attachment styles, setting expectations, and learning how to navigate the baggage we all carry is essential.

Our family histories, previous relationships, past experiences, and personal insecurities all influence how we communicate, connect, and respond to conflict—often without us even realizing it.

The good news? We can get better at all of it.

Better conversations lead to stronger, healthier, and longer-lasting relationships. And whether you’re single, married, divorced, navigating a complicated relationship, or haven’t even considered finding a partner, the concepts covered in this episode can help you become more self-aware, communicate more effectively, and continue growing as a person.

This episode is part of a multi-episode series exploring the messy realities of relationships, communication, and human behavior. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Interested in going deeper?

We’re hosting our first live Imperfect Relationships course in 2027! For more information, reach out to info@artofcoaching.com.

You can also preorder Brett’s new book, The Antihero Advantage, on Amazon or at theantiheroadvantage.com.

This book is designed to serve as a practical playbook for navigating conflict with the people you care about most, getting out of your own head, and becoming more effective in the moments that matter.

Whether you’re dealing with chaos, self-doubt, people-pleasing, difficult conversations, or the internal struggles that keep you stuck, The Antihero Advantage offers principles and strategies you can return to again and again.

Because better relationships don’t come from having all the answers. They come from learning how to navigate the complexities of being human.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

•⁠ ⁠ Why your attachment style affects how you handle conflict, intimacy, and rejection

•⁠ ⁠ How to start difficult conversations without triggering defensiveness

•⁠ ⁠How to express your needs when your instinct is to withdraw or shut down

•⁠ ⁠ How to set boundaries and expectations without creating resentment

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Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

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When you’re going through a hard time, it can be easy to pull away from people.

You don’t want to burden anyone. You don’t feel like explaining what’s going on. Talking about it isn’t going to magically fix anything. Or maybe you just want to get your shit together before anybody knows how much you’re struggling.

All of that can make sense. It can also make things worse.

In this episode, I talk about why we tend to isolate ourselves when life gets difficult, the difference between actually needing some time alone and shutting people out, and why the stories we tell ourselves about “handling it on our own” aren’t always as rational as they seem.

We also get into why saying “I’m fine” makes it nearly impossible for people to know when we need them, how too much time alone with our own thoughts can distort our perspective, and why you don’t need a huge support system—or someone who can fix the problem—to benefit from letting another person in.

You still have to deal with whatever is in front of you. Nobody else can do that part for you.

But that doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone.

For more tips and hands on guidance be sure to visit artofcoaching.com

To Preorder Brett’s book go to https://theantiheroadvantage.com

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb