In this conversation, Mark Hicks explores the profound impact of love on personal and societal transformation. He emphasizes that love is the answer to many of life's questions and that understanding our inherent worth is crucial for fostering connections and making positive changes in our communities. Hicks argues that by applying the principles of love, individuals can create a ripple effect that leads to meaningful change in families, workplaces, and ultimately, the world. He encourages listeners to recognize their capacity for love and the responsibility that comes with it, asserting that love can address issues like violence and injustice by fostering a sense of worthiness in ourselves and others.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer to life's questions.
• We are all worthy of love without needing to earn it.
• Understanding our inherent worth is crucial for connection.
• Love is transformational and goes beyond feelings.
• We have the power to make a difference in our communities.
• The ripple effect of love can change the world.
• We have a responsibility to love ourselves and others.
• Coercion will not lead to meaningful change.
• Violence and injustice stem from dehumanization.
• By loving ourselves, we can better love others.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Love as the Answer

02:44 Understanding Our Worth and Capacity to Love

05:10 The Ripple Effect of Love in Communities

07:35 The Responsibility of Love in a Divided World

10:36 Addressing Violence and Injustice through Love

13:53 Self-Love: The Foundation of 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.

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 love, emphasizing that it is a learned skill set rather than an innate feeling. He discusses various pieces of bad advice surrounding love and relationships, advocating for healthier patterns and practices. Hicks highlights the importance of setting boundaries, the dangers of toxic relationships, and the necessity of self-love. He also addresses common misconceptions such as the idea that love will magically solve problems, the normalization of jealousy, and the belief that one must never go to bed angry. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to actively engage in building healthy relationships through understanding and practicing love.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer, but we must explore the questions.
• Learning love is revolutionary and changes our lives.
• We need to break patterns of bad advice about love.
• Toxic relationships should not be normalized.
• Setting boundaries is essential for healthy relationships.
• Playing hard to get is a form of emotional manipulation.
• Waiting passively for love is not effective.
• We are complete individuals and should not seek to be completed by others.
• Going to bed angry can be a healthy choice if it leads to rest.
• Apologies are necessary for maintaining healthy 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.

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 delves into the transformative power of love and its application in building healthy relationships. He emphasizes the importance of measuring relationship health through the ratio of positive to negative interactions, drawing on research by John Gottman. Hicks discusses how this principle applies not only in personal relationships but also in workplace dynamics, advocating for intentional efforts to foster positive interactions to enhance overall relationship quality.

Takeaways

• Love is the answer, but we must explore how to live it.
• Healthy relationships start at home and extend to communities.
• Measuring relationship health can be done through interaction ratios.
• John Gottman's research suggests a 5:1 positive to negative interaction ratio.
• Negative interactions are natural, but they should be limited.
• Intentional positive interactions can improve relationship quality.
• Workplace dynamics mirror personal relationships in terms of interaction ratios.
• High performing teams have a 5.6:1 positive to negative interaction ratio.
• Awareness of interaction patterns can lead to healthier relationships.
• Building positive relationships requires effort and intention.

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 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/