Healthy relationships don’t always sound dramatic. Often, they sound like quiet understanding in the kitchen, like a pause in the middle of conflict, or like a gentle “That makes sense.” In this follow-up to his previous episode on relationship language, Daniel Dashnaw shares seven more phrases emotionally secure people say, and what they reveal about trust, connection, and repair.

From “I don’t need you to fix it” to “How can I love you better right now?” each phrase is rooted in attachment science, co-regulation, and the ethics of care. Daniel explores how these everyday words aren’t just nice, they’re neuroscience-backed signals of real emotional safety and partnership.

💬 if you’re a therapist, in a relationship, or just trying to love better, this episode offers real-world language that fosters deeper intimacy and secure functioning.

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In this monologue episode, Daniel Dashnaw shares seven phrases that reveal the heart of a healthy relationship, not just in words, but in how they shape the nervous system, build trust, and support lasting connection.

From “I don’t feel like I have to walk on eggshells with you” to “Let’s figure out how this fits into both of our lives,” Daniel explores what these statements really mean, and why they matter. Drawing on clinical insight and attachment science, he explains how language can reflect deep safety, co-regulation, and secure functioning in partnerships.

are you building a new relationship or strengthening a long-term one? These seven statements can become guideposts for emotional attunement and resilient love.

Want to support Daniel’s work?

You can now buy him a coffee via the link in the footer of his website. Every micro-contribution helps keep this podcast ad-free and deeply researched.

In this episode of Better Relationships Through Research, Daniel sits down with renowned educator, author, and therapist Dr. Linda Metcalf, PhD. With decades of experience in both clinical settings and public education, Linda brings a refreshing, compassionate lens to therapy and school systems alike.

Together, they explore:

✅ The origin and power of Solution-Focused Narrative Therapy

✅ How to engage neurodivergent clients and couples using postmodern approaches

✅ The essential role of language, curiosity, and emotional safety in school settings

✅ Why teacher burnout affects students—and how to rehumanize classrooms

✅ Her work training entire schools to shift from punishment to curiosity and connection

✅ What we can learn from the “throwaway kids” who thrive when given a voice

✅ Her belief that resistance doesn’t exist—only the need for more flexible therapists

Whether you're a clinician, educator, parent, or simply someone curious about reshaping systems for better connection, this conversation is rich with heart, strategy, and hope.