173: Unlocking Lasting Love: A Journey through Marriage with the Enneagram and Christa Hardin
In Episode 173, we interview Christa Hardin about the Enneagram and how this tool can deepen the love you have for one another. We discuss the importance of individual work and creating a safe environment in relationships. Christa explains the concept of seasons in marriage, comparing them to the changing seasons in nature. She emphasizes the need for couples to engage in deeper relational work during challenging times. We also discuss Christa’s book, “The Enneagram in Marriage,” which explores the different pairings of Enneagram types and provides tips for navigating the shadows and afterglow stages of each pairing. She shares how the Enneagram can help couples identify their core fears and work on them together.
IN This Episode, You Will Hear About:
- Importance of doing individual work in relationships
- Creating a safe environment in relationships
- The concept of seasons in marriage
- Comparison of seasons in marriage to changing seasons in nature
- The stages and seasons of marriage as described in “The Enneagram in Marriage”
- Engaging in deeper immersion work during difficult seasons in marriage
- Using Enneagram types to understand and meet emotional needs in marriage
- Benefits of using the Enneagram in couples’ work
Resources Mentioned IN This EPisode:
- The Enneagram in Marriage: Your Guide to Thriving Together in Your Unique Pairing by Christa Hardin
- https://www.enneagraminyourmarriage.com/
- Not sure what your Enneagram type is? Check out this free quiz
- Listen to our previous Enneagram episodes:
- 155: THE ENNEAGRAM FOR UNDERSTANDING YOUR SPOUSE WITH DANI COOPER
- 134: ENNEAGRAM AND PARENTING: TIPS FOR CULTIVATING A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR KIDS BASED ON YOUR TYPE
- 121: NINE ENNEAGRAM QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MAKE WISER DECISIONS WITH DR. DREW MOSER
- 98: HOW THE ENNEAGRAM CAN DEEPEN YOUR MARRIAGE CONNECTION WITH JEFF AND BETH MCCORD
- 70: RESOLVING CONFLICT WITH THE ENNEAGRAM WITH LAUREN GRAY
- 69: ENNEAGRAM AND COMMUNICATION STYLES WITH LAUREN GRAY
- 51: THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERY ENNEAGRAM TYPE WITH DR. DREW MOSER
- Take a look at our Enneagram printables. They are completely free!
- Looking for an Enneagram test to find out your type?
- For a free Enneagram Test, please click here
- For a paid Enneagram Test (which will be more accurate), check out The Enneagram Institute Testing Center
DISCUSSION PROMPTS FOR YOU AS A COUPLE:
- Creating a safe space in our relationship was discussed. How can we ensure we maintain a safe space for each other?
- Christa talked about the challenges of the “shadow” season in a marriage. Have we faced similar challenges in our relationship, and if so, how did we navigate them?
- How do you think the Enneagram, or similar personality frameworks, can be used to deepen our understanding and improve communication within our relationship?
- Christa discussed the idea of reducing grand expectations in marriage. How can we realistically manage our expectations while fostering a fulfilling and healthy partnership?
- In the context of our Enneagram types, what are some unique strengths and challenges we bring to our relationship? How can we leverage these qualities to enhance our partnership?
Meet Christa Hardin:
Christa Hardin, MA is a relationship expert, author, as well as host of the popular Enneagram & Marriage Podcast. Christa has been working with and researching marriage for two decades, providing hope for couples who are struggling to find their light, love, and mission together in any season of relationship.
Her most recent title, “The Enneagram in Marriage: Your Guide to Thriving Together in Your Unique Pairing,” is due out with Baker Books October 3. You can catch up with her at @enneagramandmarriage on Instagram or find her many resources over at www.enneagramandmarriage.com
