This Week: Esther Perel on Conflicts in Relationships
We’re taught to avoid conflict. Esther Perel believes we shouldn’t—and explains how arguing better can strengthen intimacy and trust.
As the holiday season approaches, when we are most likely to interact with family members and friends of different persuasions, we are revisiting a New York Festivals Radio Award-winning episode with relationship guru Esther Perel that teaches us how to transform conflict into connection.
Among other insights, she invites us to see disagreements as opportunities for growth and offers constructive and specific communication techniques that make all parties feel heard and respected. Her guidance will help inspire empathy and strengthen bonds.
Originally released as a Valentine’s Day special with an emphasis on communication between couples, her wisdom can be extrapolated to all familial and friend group communications, creating a roadmap for a joy-filled season.
More soon,
Lia Matthow
Chief Content Officer
The Hierarchy of Disagreement
The above image is inspired by Esther’s course, Turning Conflict into Connection.
Re-Debating the News
On Thursday, news broke that TikTok signed a deal to spin off its U.S. assets to a new venture controlled mostly by American investors. Supported by President Trump and various factions, this comes at the end of a Supreme Court decision and a multi-year initiative to ban TikTok in the U.S. as a national security measure.
For deeper context on this agreement, revisit our debate: Should the U.S. Ban TikTok? It features Kori Schake, arguing yes to the ban, and Milton Mueller, arguing no.
Give the Gift of Better Conversation — Donate Today
The holiday season can bring both joy and occasional conflict, but at Open to Debate, we believe disagreement doesn’t have to mean division. Thoughtful conversation can turn our biggest differences into understanding and connection. Your support helps keep these debates going. Give today to support respectful dialogue and help carry more empathy and listening into the new year.