logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2025
16m 52s

Is your partner "the one?" Wrong questio...

TED
About this episode

Marrying for love is a relatively recent phenomenon for humanity, and we still don't fully understand what it means for building successful relationships, says author and psychiatrist George Blair-West. Drawing from his extensive experience working with couples, he shares four questions every couple should ask themselves before tying the knot — and highlights surprising findings on how the way marriage starts impacts if it ends. This episode originally aired May 3, 2024.

Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey!


Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/futureyou


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
The hidden cost of buying gold | Claudia Vega
Gold may glitter, but the hidden cost of mining it is devastating. Amazon researcher and TED Fellow Claudia Vega exposes how mercury pollution from artisanal gold mining poisons local communities and destroys rainforests — and shows why protecting the planet is far more valuable ... Show More
33m 25s
Yesterday
How we’re turning pollution into toys, toothpaste and more | Xu Hao
It took alcohol 200 years to go from scientific discovery to industrial revolution, but tech innovator Xu Hao says we can’t afford to wait that long to tackle the climate crisis. He explores why most climate solutions are still stuck in labs — despite breakthrough science that ca ... Show More
14m 22s
Oct 8
The best thing that could happen to the energy industry | Matt Tilleard
History has been written by whoever controls the dominant fuel of the era — until now, says renewables entrepreneur Matt Tilleard. He explains why, as the clean energy transition ramps up, we’re moving from a world where energy comes from burning fuels to one where it will come f ... Show More
13m 51s
Recommended Episodes
May 2025
296: 7 Secrets Of Making Relationships Last (Proven by Experts!)
Matthew, Audrey, and Stephen dive into what truly makes a long-term relationship successful—beyond the clichés. Whether you’re in a new relationship, struggling with resentment, or simply curious about what happy couples do differently, this episode is packed with insight from ex ... Show More
1h 23m
Sep 2024
Why Couples are “Living Apart Together” feat. Kelly Coyne, PhD
If you’re into the prospect of sleeping or living apart from a partner (or just curious about couples who do this), this episode with writer and professor Kelly Coyne will give you everything you need to know! We talk about couples who live in the same home but have separate bedr ... Show More
1h 30m
Jun 2025
Why a 3 – 5 Year Plan Matters
When was the last time you and your spouse discussed where you want to be in 3 - 5 years? Erin Smalley addresses how a lot of couples are struggling with a sense of vision today. Also, Jim Daly speaks to Sean and Lanette Reed about how they've learned to set goals in their marria ... Show More
11m 21s
Oct 6
Help, I’m Having Doubts About My Partner!
It’s just us this week and we’re breaking down a listener email about the relatable crisis of having doubts about your long-term partner. We discuss so many aspects of relationships and marriages -- marrying young (and what IS the optimal age to say I Do), not growing in the same ... Show More
1h 19m
Sep 2024
We All Bring Some Baggage
Every person who's been married for a while will tell you there are moments your spouse does something you didn't expect. Tovares and Safa Grey share how they've learned that relationships are more complicated than we anticipate. Also, Greg and John talk about the dangers of a pe ... Show More
13m 3s
Apr 2025
The Hidden Crisis in Christian Marriages (And How To Fix It)
Enjoy the episode? Send us a text!🔎 What Does Research Say About Marital Satisfaction Among Christians? | Marriage Helper + Barna Study In this powerful episode, Dr. Joe Beam and Kimberly Beam Holmes dive deep into the fascinating findings from a 2021 survey conducted by Barna R ... Show More
34m 27s
Oct 2024
Jenny McCarthy & Donnie Wahlberg Reveal Their Relationship Secrets
Caroline Stanbury sits down with power couple Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg to discuss the keys to maintaining a passionate and thriving relationship after years of marriage. From navigating challenges to keeping the fire alive, they share personal stories, essential tools, ... Show More
43m 40s
Oct 2018
Married At First Sight S:7 All Roads Lead to This E:16
It’s a YES, YES, and YES, across board for the MAFS couples! Danielle finally tells Bobby how she feels, Amber goes brunette, and Tristan breaks down in a tearful apology to Mia. Join hosts Shannon O’Connor, Thelma Mbaezue-Daniel, Felicia Michelle, Lem Gonsalves as we dive into d ... Show More
47m 39s
Sep 22
2738: Why You Need to Accept Your Partner's Needs by Heather Gray with Gottman on How to Build Emotional Security
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2738: Heather Gray highlights how honoring a partner’s needs strengthens intimacy and builds emotional security. By choosin ... Show More
8m 5s
Sep 14
332. The triangular theory of love
We all want to know the secret to true, lasting love so that we can perhaps have a shot at finding it. So in today's episode, we're breaking down perhaps the most famous theory on this very topic, Robert Sternbery's Triangular Theory of Love. In this episode, we talk about: The 3 ... Show More
21m 48s