191: Navigating the Bedroom: The Enneagram’s Impact on Your Love Life With Christa Hardin

We interview Christa Hardin, a relationship expert, author, and podcaster about the role of Enneagram types in intimacy and sexual relationships within marriage. Christa explains how understanding each type’s natural tendencies can help couples navigate conflicts and enhance their intimate lives. She offers specific advice for every Enneagram type, emphasizing the importance of open communication, vulnerability, and emotional connection. The episode provides practical insights for couples to foster deeper connections and improve their intimate relationships by leveraging the Enneagram framework.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• Understanding the Enneagram and its relevance to intimacy in marriage.
• Natural states of intimacy for different Enneagram types and potential conflicts.
• Creating a safe environment for open communication about intimacy.
• Navigating differences in sexual desires and preferences between partners.
• Insights into the strengths and growth areas of each Enneagram type regarding intimacy.
• The importance of vulnerability and emotional connection in intimate relationships.
• Strategies for addressing and overcoming intimacy challenges specific to each Enneagram type.
• Encouragement for couples to explore deeper connections through understanding their Enneagram types.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

• The Enneagram in Marriage: Your Guide to Thriving Together in Your Unique Pairing + Link for Bonus Chapter by Christa Hardin
• Enneagram and Marriage
• 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!
  • E-Book: The Perfect Gift For Every Enneagram Type
  • The Enneagram Guide To Better Relationships

• 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 Questions For You As A Couple:

1. What resonated with you the most from the discussion about intimacy and personality types?
2. How comfortable do you feel discussing intimacy in our relationship? How can we create a safe space for these conversations?
3. How do you typically express your needs in our relationship? Do you feel heard and understood?
4. How can we work together to balance each other’s preferences and desires in intimacy?
5. What are some ways we can use the Enneagram to better understand each other’s needs and desires?
6. What are some small steps (1% shifts) we can take to improve emotional and physical intimacy?
7. Do we make enough time for emotional connection outside the bedroom? If not, how can we improve?
8. What non-sexual forms of intimacy make you feel most connected to me?
9. Is there something new we’d like to try together to enhance our connection?
10. What’s one thing we can do this week to prioritize our intimacy and emotional bond?

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Meet Christa Hardin: