Ep324 – Study Results: Kindness and Emotional Safety Top the List
Ep324 – Study Results: Kindness and Emotional Safety Top the List

Untoxicated Podcast

Matt and Sheri Salis discuss survey results showing kindness and emotional safety as top priorities in relationships, highlighting changing societal expectations.

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1:08:09•1 Dec 2025

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About this podcast

Untoxicated Podcast

Matt & Sheri Salis

Sheri and Matt Salis just wanted a normal life – normal marriage, normal careers, a normal house and happy kids. Instead, they lived a life of lies and terror as they struggled with Matt’s alcoholism. While their experience sounds rare, with over 15 millions problem drinkers in America, their alcoholic marriage was all too normal. Matt has been writing about their experiences in alcoholism and recovery for years. On the Untoxicated Podcast, Sheri and Matt talk about it, too. No subjects are off limits as the couple discusses the trauma of active addiction, the pain of early recovery, the destruction and rebuilding of trust, and the impact on their intimate relationship. If you love an alcoholic, the disease will terrorize your relationship. We hope you’ll listen and find healing in our shared stories. For more support from Sheri and Matt, check out their Echoes of Recovery program providing connection and healing for the loved ones of alcoholics.

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Kindness and Emotional Safety: The New Relationship Goals

Episode Overview

Kindness and emotional safety are top priorities in relationships.
Financial resources are less important than emotional needs.
Men need to adapt to new expectations of emotional maturity.
Open communication is crucial for healthy partnerships.
Societal progress reflects changing gender roles in relationships.

“Kindness does not mean a doormat; it means showing respect.”

Curious about what truly matters in relationships? This episode of the Untoxicated Podcast brings you the results of a fascinating survey on what people value most in romantic partnerships. Hosts Matt and Sheri Salis reveal that kindness and emotional safety top the list, far surpassing traditional markers like financial resources and physical attractiveness. Matt shares the intriguing findings from their recent listener survey, while Sheri opens up about her personal answers, adding a touch of authenticity and humour.

The discussion shifts to the changing roles of men and women, reflecting on societal progress and the need for men to adapt to new expectations of emotional maturity. You'll hear how emotional safety and open communication are crucial in maintaining healthy relationships, while financial security and sexual activity take a back seat. Whether you're navigating recovery or simply interested in understanding modern relationship dynamics, this episode offers valuable insights into what people really want in their partners today.

Dive in and explore the transformative power of kindness and emotional safety in relationships.

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