116. Creating Partner Time Away from the Business with Rebecca McDermott - a podcast by Amber Hawley

Most couples don’t experience being around one another all the time…day in and day out…nonstop…until they’re in retirement. But as entrepreneurs working from home, now with our partners at home more often than before, we’re feeling disconnected. 

How is that possible? Being together 24/7 throws off our ADHD brains’ schedules and it spotlights what isn’t working in the relationship. Plus, many couples figure that we’re around one another all the time so there’s no reason to plan separate quality time.

This week’s podcast is a bit of a departure from our normal straight business talk, but it’s an important conversation. If we’re feeling stressed in our romantic relationships, it easily carries over to other parts of our lives.

I’m joined this week by Rebecca McDermott, fellow couples therapist, to talk about why so many of us are struggling with this right now as well as how to work around the feeling of disconnection with your partner.

Tune in because, friend, you’re not alone!

About Rebecca McDermott:

Rebecca McDermott, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Pennsylvania. Located right in the burbs of Philly, Rebecca takes a calm yet direct approach to soothe conflict between partners and increase connection. As a mom of three, she loves to support couples transitioning to parenthood together to sort through all the sh*t (literal) that entails.

Links and Resources:

• Connected Counseling PA
• Connect with Rebecca on Instagram

Time Stamps:

• [2:52] - Who is Rebecca McDermott
• [5:15] - What brings us to the work we do
• [6:43] - Healthy relationships lead to better health in life
• [8:09] - The pandemic (and having kids) magnified the good (or not so good)
• [10:42] - Our old ways of coping no longer fit
• [14:01] - Awareness to partner has diminished
• [19:04] - Schedules are important; now partners know one another’s schedules in a different way
• [21:15] - If you’re struggling, it’s okay and you’re not alone
• [22:10] - Carving out intentional time with partner when it’s still hard to do things socially
• [26:01] - Relational stress gets a bad reputation
• [27:22] - You have to acknowledge the problem if you’re going to come up with solutions
• [28:59] - Experiencing grief when pandemic hit
• [30:30] - How can you have fun with your partner when you’re fatigued
• [34:08] - What can you let go of so you can take care of yourself
• [36:29] - You need to be successful when implementing change; start small
• [40:53] - Connection and conversations are stimulating for ADHDs
• [41:40] - Little check-ins with respect go far into feeling more connected
• [43:10] - Ask your partner for what you need
• [44:41] - Conflict comes in when we’re not clear
• [48:30] - Are you being intentional about connection with your partner

Further episodes of The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur

Further podcasts by Amber Hawley

Website of Amber Hawley