36 Questions to Spark Intimacy
What if you could fall in love, or forge deep connections in just 45 minutes? Our guests try out 36 questions with their partners to see if they can strengthen their connection.
\n\nLink to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/3vxdzmnv
\n\nEpisode summary:
\n\nThere are 36 questions that have been shown over and over again in lab studies to help people fall in love or form fast connections. In this week\u2019s episode, we bring back Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg of By the Book podcast*.* They recruit their husbands to ask and answer these questions and then fill us in on the surprising ways they helped each of their relationships. Later, we hear from psychologists Arthur and Elaine Aron, the married duo who co-created the 36 questions this practice is based on. They explain the principles behind the questions, so you can come up with your own conversation starters to foster closeness with anyone \u2014 family, friends, or your partner.
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Practice:
\n\n36 Questions for Increasing Closeness
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Identify someone with whom you\u2019d like to become closer. Find a time when you both have about 45 minutes to meet in person.
\nTake 15 minutes answering the questions in Set I below. Each person should answer every question, but alternate who answers first. If you don\u2019t finish the set in 15 minutes, move on to Set II.
\nRepeat the steps above for sets II and III.
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Find the 36 questions at Greater Good In Action:
\n\nhttps://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/36_questions_for_increasing_closeness
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Today\u2019s guests:
\n\nKristen Meinzer is a pop culture commentator, Royals expert, and co-host of By the Book podcast. She also co-hosts the new podcast Romance Road Test.
\n\nJolenta Greenberg is a comedian, pop culture commentator, and aslo co-hosts of By the Book and Romance Road Test.
\n\nListen to Romance Road Test: https://tinyurl.com/mr298rwr
\n\nListen to By the Book: https://pod.link/1217948628
\n\nArthur and Elaine Aron are two of the leading psychologists studying the psychology of love and close relationships, and they are a married couple. The Arons created the original 36 questions this practice is based on.
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Resources For Increasing Closeness:
\n\nThe New York Times, Smarter Living - How to Be a Better Friend: https://tinyurl.com/3bpn2bvr
\n\nNBC News - How to build emotional intimacy with your partner: https://tinyurl.com/bdz84apz
\n\nWhere Should We Begin? with Esther Perel - Twice Married, To Each Other: https://tinyurl.com/mt4r7zw
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More resources from The Greater Good Science Center:
\n\nTake our Compassionate Love Quiz: https://tinyurl.com/bdfuucw3
\n\n36 Questions That Can Help Kids Make Friends: https://tinyurl.com/2bc42vvt
\n\nMoments of Love and Connection May Help You Live Longer: https://tinyurl.com/2s3h58yw
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Tell us about your experience asking and answering these 36 questions by emailing us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or using the hashtag #happinesspod.
\n\nHelp us share The Science of Happiness!
\n\nLeave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or copy and share this link with someone who might like the show: pod.link/1340505607
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