Have you ever had a moment of startling clarity about how the people closest to you actually experience you? That's exactly what happened when my six-year-old daughter observed my husband and me dancing in our kitchen and declared we were "in rare form." Those three words stopped me in my tracks.

As someone who considers herself playful and lighthearted, I was struck by the realization that my children rarely witness that side of my relationship with my husband. Our playful moments typically happen late at night after they're asleep, while our days are consumed by the practical responsibilities of family life. This insight led me to question not just how my children perceive our relationship, but how my husband experiences me as well.

This revelation could have been crushing. Instead, it became a powerful opportunity to bridge the gap between my authentic self and how I show up day-to-day. The mirrors provided by those we love offer invaluable feedback about who we are versus who we want to be. When we can receive this feedback openly, without spiraling into feelings of failure or inadequacy, we gain a roadmap for growth.

Conscious partnership isn't a destination but a lifelong journey of learning and evolving. Each mirror, each moment of clarity, gives us another opportunity to align our actions with our values. I invite you to reflect on how the important people in your life experience you. Is there alignment between your perception of yourself and how others see you? The answer might surprise you—and it might just transform your relationships.

How would your loved ones describe the way you typically show up? What would it look like to intentionally create more moments that reflect your authentic self? Share your thoughts or reach out to me on social media!

- If you and your partner are ready to co-create the roadmap to the relationship of your dreams, join us for the next in-person "Getting the Love You Want" Weekend Couples Retreat!

For support in how to have deeper connections and better communication in the relationships that matter most in your life, follow the host, Trish Sanders on Instagram , Bluesky or LinkedIn.