#014. [Monthly Intake] Why Frustration Builds


Hello Reader,

(reading time : 5 minutes)

Imagine this: you’re coming home after a long day at work. It’s nearly 9 p.m., and you’re just hoping there’s something ready to eat or that your partner has taken care of dinner. All you want to do is relax…

But as you step inside, you find the kitchen dark and empty. The only light in the house is from the TV, where your partner is either watching a show or playing a game. Frustration starts to bubble upsound familiar? You’re not alone; this scenario drives many people crazy.

You know this can’t keep happening. You try bringing it up, but your partner just doesn’t "get it." For them, it’s downtime, while for you, living together means sharing responsibilities, like meal prep and household tasks.

Resentment is building, and you know it’s a red flag—but what can you do? I’ll dive into this issue and more in today’s newsletter.

YOU MAY LIKE THIS PODCAST EPISODE

#025. Life Trigger Events that Impact Couples🎤 LISTEN HERE


" NON REACTION IS NOT WEAKNESS BUT STRENGTH. ANOTHER WORD FOR NON REACTION IS FORGIVENESS. "

A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle


Living with a partner naturally comes with moments of frustration. Daily challenges like tiredness, overwhelming times, and a long list of tasks make it easy for irritation to slip in. If ignored, frustration can build up and turn into resentment, but it doesn’t have to. This month, I want you to get practical, actionable value from this issue of the newsletter. Below are some simple, effective tips you can apply whenever frustration toward your partner arises. Write these down, hang them on the fridge, and make them part of your routine.

4 TIPS TO DEAL WITH FRUSTRATION

1- Take a Step Back. First, pause and acknowledge what you’re feeling. Silently affirm, “Yes, I’m frustrated, and that’s okay.” Giving yourself permission to feel frustrated creates space fora a constructive response instead of a reactive one.

2- Observe Your Expectations. Ask yourself what expectation may be at the root of your frustration. For example, you might think, “I wanted them to make dinner tonight,” but go deeper. Consider if the core expectation was “I want them to take the initiative without me asking.” Being clear on expectations can reveal areas for improvement in communication.

3- Recognize the Need for Adjustment. Accept that sometimes you and your partner may not be perfectly aligned, and that’s normal. Quietly remind yourself, “We’re not on the same page right now, and that’s okay too.” Acknowledging this can help you approach the situation with openness, ready to discuss any adjustments needed without blame or resentment.

4- Have an Open Discussion. Once you’ve recognized your feelings, clarified your expectations, and acknowledged the need for adjustments, it’s time to open up a constructive conversation. Approach your partner with curiosity rather than judgment. Let them know how you feel and share your expectations in a way that’s open and understanding.

💡 Do you need help navigating this kind of conversation? If your partner struggles to listen or if you feel unheard, consider scheduling a Clarity Call for personalized support. Sometimes, having a third party can make all the difference in helping each partner feel truly understood.



WORTH TO HAVE A LOOK AT

If you only have 5min, I *highly* recommend to watch: Fred Luskin: Wanting "Yes" and Getting "No"

Understanding the Trust Equation & 12 Tips

Curious about what really builds trust in relationships? Dive into the Trust Equation—a formula that breaks down the core elements of trust: credibility, reliability, intimacy, and self-orientation. This approach can give you valuable insights to strengthen both personal and professional relationships. Watch the full video to learn how each element impacts trust and how you can make small, impactful changes in your own connections.

Fred Luskin: Wanting "Yes" and Getting "No"

Struggling with unmet expectations in your relationships? Dr. Fred Luskin’s insights on "Wanting ‘Yes’ and Getting ‘No’" provide powerful tools to manage disappointment and build resilience. In this video, Luskin explores how to handle the "no’s" in life—whether from loved ones, colleagues, or circumstances—without letting them erode your happiness. Discover practical steps to shift your mindset and handle rejection gracefully.



💡 Discover Why Couples Struggle — So you can build a more satisfying relationship.

Don’t let misunderstandings or recurring issues hold you back—grab the insights and tools that others have found transformative. Take the one question poll, download your free gift here and take the first step toward a more harmonious and connected relationship.

 

Get Started and Unlock your Free Gift !


WHAT'S NEW !?

🎉 The YouTube Channel is Live! Dive into videos filled with insights and practical tools to help you navigate relationship challenges with ease. Watch Now.

💌 Newsletter Welcome Sequence is Live! Have you seen your welcome gift yet ? If not, it's time to get access to valuable resources designed for your growth, including my popular freebies that set you up for clarity and connection with your partner. You won't want to miss this whole new experience ! Explore Free Resources.

🌟 Exciting Plans for 2025: I’m already working on the next round of the Self-Mastery program. Be the first to know when it launches by joining the waitlist. Be the first to know, Join the Waitlist.


I hope this November edition brought you valuable tips and insights to help navigate the challenges in your relationships.

Thank you for being part of this community, and I look forward to sharing more tools to help you create meaningful, lasting connections.

Warm Regards,

SONJA T. WOOD

🔗 sonjawoodmediation.com

Helping hundreds of clients navigate relationship challenges with clarity and ease.

Follow me on Spotify and LinkedIn

PS: If you want effective solutions, I'll be here to help you find what you need. On my side, I can offer you to take a look at what resonates most with you:

  • Free Resources – Discover why couples struggles - So you can build a more satisfying relationship. Answer one poll question and get your gift adapted to YOUR need.
  • 1:1 Clarity Call – Need personalized guidance now? Book a one-on-one session to get insights tailored to your unique situation.
  • Self-Mastery Program – For those ready to dive deep, my signature program provides the skills and support to create true, lasting change.

Ps2: C. participated in the previous version of the program Self-Mastery, because she struggled with managing her anger on a daily basis. No matter what she tried, her emotions were taking over, beginning to damage her relationships with her partner and family.

What about you? Are you ready to take the first step toward creating the relationship you truly deserve?

Last Note: I reached out to Stephanie from Firefly Scout a couple of weeks ago after reading one of her articles that truly moved me. As you may know, my first big insight came in 2016 during a retreat in Italy. Stephanie’s writing took me back through my journey of discovering my own light, and I can’t express enough how this has positively transformed all of my relationships. I highly recommend this article "The Power of Time Autonomy: Why Pushing Drains You and Pulling Expands You." It’s a powerful read on how shifting from a “push” mentality to one of alignment can make a huge difference in how we feel and accomplish our goals. Read the article here.

Image for Firefly Scout

Firefly Scout

Creator of the Glow Map

Dare to show up for yourself and start living a life that lights you up. Each week I inspire you on your journey to solve this mystery through easy-to-try tools and tips to fuel your curiosity, take inspired action and fulfill the dreams in your heart.

No More Frustration. Build the Relationship You Deserve.

💫 Don't wait—take the first step toward a better relationship now!

Read more from No More Frustration. Build the Relationship You Deserve.

Hello Reader, There was a time when I believed that the more I performed and perfected every detail, the better my life would be. But somewhere along the way, I realized that this constant drive was eating me up from the inside. (I'll share more about this later if you want...). Perfectionism, overachievement, the endless need to "do"—it left little room for anything else. Tell me I’m not alone here—💭 Share Your Thoughts in the Poll Below! 👇 What’s Your Relationship with Perfectionism? 🌅...

Hello Reader ! (reading time : 5 minutes) Life is not linear; in fact, it's full of twists, ups, and downs. After living in the USA for three years and expanding my practice internationally, it felt like a natural progression to rebrand my newsletter in English. I understand that some of you may choose to unsubscribe, and I wish you all the best, along with the fulfilling relationships you seek. To those who have chosen to stay, THANK YOU. I deeply appreciate your support as we continue this...