Societal Cues Reveal Couples Suffering a ‘Communications Crisis’
How and why couples will either thrive, flat-line or outright fail: Expert Susan Scott is available for interviews and editorials revealing ways that relationships succeed—or cease—one conversation at a time.
Throngs of studies reveal the extent to which Americans are shockingly dissatisfied with their relationships and, in a dreadful number of cases, are completely disengaged—abstaining entirely from intimate relations, monogamy, marriage and other “healthy relationship” benchmarks. Sure, the pandemic put the kibosh on romance for many, but the problem is far more deep-seated and insidious. “In short, Americans are in the throes of a communications crisis,” warns Susan Scott, bestselling author of “Fierce Love”— a book that explores conversations that are central to fostering relationship success.
“People don’t often recognize that the conversation is the relationship,” urges Scott. “What gets talked about in a relationship, and how it gets talked about, determines whether a relationship will thrive, flat-line or fail. We often long for deep connection in our relationships, but we don’t know how to communicate well and sometimes withhold what we’re really thinking and feeling. This can lead to fighting, resentment or, worse, complacency where you are just going through the motions … more like roommates than two people in love. Enduring love happens one conversation at a time. Unfortunately, far too many are not innately equipped with the intuition, knowledge and skills to adeptly steer dialogues that way … and modern society reflects those shortcomings.”
“Love doesn’t make itself,” asserts Scott. “We make it or fail to make it with each discussion. We unmake it as well. And while no single conversation is guaranteed to change the trajectory of a relationship, any single conversation can.”
Fierce Love is the final in the “Fierce books” trilogy that included “Fierce Conversations,” which sold over 800,000 copies, and “Fierce Leadership,” which hit the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Best Sellers Lists. “My new book is for people who care for each other but don’t know how to love each other … or aren’t very good at it,” she says. “It’s also for couples who want to ensure an already healthy relationship remains that way. Indeed, lasting love happens by having intentional, honest and compelling conversations with our partners—the kind that embrace transparency and foster a true connection that will not only withstand the test of time, but actually help feelings grow stronger over the years.”