Marriage: challenges men face and how to address them
What do men typically expect from relationships? What do they tend to struggle with? Clinical psychologist Thabang Tlaka considers why men are sensitive to language, how their priorities differ from those of women, and issues including financial pressures, emotional availability, self-expression, and congruence. He offers tools for strengthening romantic relationships and ways to promote peace in the home.
If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Thabang and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.
In episode 241 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful, clinical psychologist, author, speaker, creative and media personality Thabang Tlaka considers
whether men and women marry for different reasons: men’s typical focus on sex, domestic support, etc. while women prioritise emotional intimacy, communication, security, etc.
what motivates men to get married
why men are sensitive to language
misconceptions which may shape men’s expectations of marriage
psychological challenges men experience, including “in-expression”
relationship challenges: self-reflection, theory of mind, managing conflict, and being present
tools that can help shape better romantic relationships
examples of men who have succeeded in strengthening their relationships
when a man or a couple needs professional help.
In this episode, Thabang mentions the work of John and Julie Gottman of The Gottman Institute, including on the “four horsemen of the apocalypse”: criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling; His Needs, Her Needs: Making Romantic Love Last written by Willard F. Harley; and the author Esther Perel.
Scroll down for more information on Thabang.
The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Player FM and Iono.fm – I hope you’ll subscribe!
Also listen to relationship coach Bryan Reeves’ profound understanding of what men and women deeply yearn for in romantic relationships.
More about Thabang
Thabang Tlaka is a clinical psychologist, author, speaker, creative and media personality from Pretoria. He is the author of several books, including The Taxi Philosopher, Corrupting Virgins, Selfie of the Soul, Love on the Table, The Temptation of Mr Married, and Focus & Flourish. Thabang has developed training programs for couples (The Love Adventure), teenagers (Empires of the Mind), parents (The Flight Plan) and a personal development programme for young professionals (Align – how to understand yourself, others and plan for the life that you desire). He has also written and staged plays, and is a Mandela Rhodes Scholar and a Brightest Young Mind Delegate.
Thabang’s books are available on www.thabangtlaka.co.za, Takealot, and at Exclusive Books.
Website: www.thabangtlaka.co.za
Tel: 012 346 3480, Cell: 083 623 3441
Email: thabang@ttlaka.co.za
Facebook: Thabang Tlaka Clinical Psychologist
Instagram: thabangtlaka
Podcast: Azania in Therapy on YouTube
TikTok: thabang_tlaka
www.youtube.com/@tlakamedia2636
Also listen to psychologist Dr Ingrid Artus on why affairs happen and how a couple can be helped to restore broken trust.
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Original music by Mart-Marie Snyman, feat. James Robb and Matinino
Thumbnail image: Pexels
Photograph of Thabang Tlaka: supplied