🧶 Why Can’t We Just Get Along? Understand the Patterns, Choose Better Responses

🤷‍♀️🤷🏻‍♂️ Why Can’t We Just Get Along?
Understand the Patterns, Choose Better Responses 💬👫

Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking, How did we get here again?

Maybe you tried to explain yourself and felt misunderstood. Maybe you became defensive, shut down, pushed harder to be heard, or said something you later wished you hadn’t. Sometimes the topic changes, but the pattern feels strangely familiar.

In this four-week Relationship Support series, we’ll look beneath those frustrating interactions to better understand what happens to us when an important relationship feels threatened, painful, or uncertain—and what we can do differently once we recognize the pattern.

Drawing on ideas from Dr. Sue Johnson’s book Hold Me Tight and Emotionally Focused Therapy, we’ll explore the emotions and needs underneath our reactions, make sense of difficult relationship experiences, and consider healthier ways to communicate, protect our boundaries, and move forward.

This series can be useful whether you’re partnered, separating, divorced, dating, single, or simply trying to better understand yourself in relationships. No partner is needed, and there is no reading assignment.

You’re welcome to join us for any or all sessions. Each week stands on its own, although attending the full series will allow you to build on what you discover from week to week.

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FOUR-WEEK SERIES:

• September 30 — Why We Get Stuck
• October 7 — Why It Hurts So Much
• October 14 — Making Sense of a Painful Moment
• October 21 — Choosing What Comes Next

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THIS WEEK'S FOCUS - WEEK 2 (Oct 7)
Why It Hurts So Much

Sometimes the intensity of our reaction seems much bigger than the moment itself.
A dismissive comment. A partner turning away. An unanswered text. Feeling excluded, criticized, or unimportant.

These moments can touch what Sue Johnson calls “raw spots”—places where past experiences, fears, and unmet needs make us especially sensitive.
We’ll look beneath anger, defensiveness, or withdrawal to explore the more vulnerable feelings that may be there: hurt, fear, loneliness, rejection, disappointment, or the longing to feel valued and understood.

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Each weekly session includes:

• Brief teaching, guided reflection, and group discussion
• Video clips that bring key concepts to life
• Opportunities to reflect on your own experiences
• A short break followed by our confidential Sharing Circle
• Space to share—or simply listen. Passing is always welcome.

Come for one week or join us for all four. You may discover that the frustrating patterns in your relationships make a lot more sense once you understand what is happening underneath them.

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Our Typical Agenda

• Brief Welcome & Introductions
• Teaching, Video(s), or Guest Speaker (30-45 minutes)
• Interactive Group Discussion
• Bio Break
• Confidential Sharing Circle* (approximately 45 minutes)

*For the Sharing Circle, please plan to have your camera on so we can create a more connected and supportive space together.

We practice balanced sharing and listen without questioning, commenting on, or offering advice about another person’s experience. Meetings are not recorded, and everyone agrees to protect the privacy of what is shared.

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🔹 About the Group

This is a relationship support meeting that combines learning and sharing in a warm, supportive environment. You’re always welcome to connect, reflect, and grow—at your own pace.

✨ Come as you are and share only what feels comfortable. We do not record our meetings. You are welcome whether you are navigating divorce, separation, dating, family relationships, friendships, or simply trying to create healthier patterns in your life. ❤️

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💌 A Little Support Goes a Long Way

If you’re finding value in these gatherings, we invite you to consider a $20 monthly contribution to help support:

• Our paid Zoom account
• Our Meetup Subscription
• Weekly preparation, curation, and handouts
• Ongoing care of this growing community

Venmo: @Amy-Papazian (last 4 digits: 8444)
10% of each donation supports New Beginnings — our volunteer-led community creating friendship, fun, and fresh experiences.

🤗 Thank you in advance – whether you give now, later, or simply keep showing up, you help make this group special. 💕

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🌱 Continue the Conversation

Everyone processes differently. Some people find a group discussion most helpful, while others prefer the privacy of a one-on-one conversation.

If you'd like to talk about your own relationships or life transition in a confidential setting, I invite you to schedule a
complimentary 45-minute Strategy Session—or simply call or text me at 650.504.8444.

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🎉 New Beginnings Social Events

Ready to reconnect with the world a little more? Our New Beginnings Social Events group offers relaxed, welcoming activities — both in-person around the San Francisco Bay Area and online — for connection, laughter, and new friendships. Explore what’s coming up: meetup.com/bay-area-new-beginnings