Ep 280: Couples and Clutter with Elizabeth Earnshaw

Hi Friends,

Today’s topic is one that is widely discussed as a source of tension in relationships: Clutter & Stress between Couples. It typically results when one person carries the majority of physical and mental load and is left feeling resentful, frustrated, and depleted both physically and emotionally.

Joining me today to discuss this topic is one of the leading and most trusted relationship teachers, Elizabeth Earnshaw.  Liz is a Gottman-trained Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and one of the founders of Ours, where she works to make couple’s counseling mainstream and accessible. She also owns A Better Life Therapy in Pennsylvania and New Jersey supporting a team of clinicians working with couples to strengthen their relationships.

Some of you may be familiar with her Instagram @lizlistens where she works to normalize the stigma surrounding couples therapy. She is an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and works with both married and unmarried couples.

Her debut book,  I WANT THIS TO WORK, released in November 2021 is a must-read for anyone looking for tools to strengthen their communication skills with their partner.

I invite Liz on the show specifically to discuss the hidden truth behind Couples and Clutter.  

During our conversation we talked about:

• Why clutter and household responsibilities in general is a leading cause of stress and anxiety in a marriage
• How to communicate your “clutter tolerance” to your partner when it’s different from theirs.
• Strategies to help start the conversation, and why passive-aggressive behavior doesn’t work.
• Why expecting our partner to be mind-readers is a losing game

I encourage you to listen to this episode which is filled with personal stories and actionable strategies that you can start using today.

Make sure to check out the links below for links to topics discussed during our interview.