What Esther Perel has said about Conflict repair in relationships
2 quotes · 1 episode · Aug 19, 2026
Esther Perel, Belgian-American psychotherapist and author of Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, has been quoted on Conflict repair in relationships 2 times in 1 episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, most recently on August 19, 2026. Each quote below is verbatim and links to the moment it was said.
In their words
Perel advises replacing complaints with specific requests, since criticism usually conceals an unstated wish.
“Don't complain. Ask. Behind every criticism, there's often a wish”
The Tim Ferriss Show: #880: Relationship Tools That Work — Esther Perel, Brené Brown, Dr. Sue Johnson, Terry Real, and More on Conflict, Repair, and Lasting Love (Aug 19, 2026) · Listen from 3:06
Perel says absolutes like 'always' and 'never' should be banished from relationship arguments.
“try not to talk with categoricals of always and never, all or nothing. That probably is one of the most important changes in vocabulary. Banish them”
The Tim Ferriss Show: #880: Relationship Tools That Work — Esther Perel, Brené Brown, Dr. Sue Johnson, Terry Real, and More on Conflict, Repair, and Lasting Love (Aug 19, 2026) · Listen from 4:19
Episodes
#880: Relationship Tools That Work — Esther Perel, Brené Brown, Dr. Sue Johnson, Terry Real, and More on Conflict, Repair, and Lasting LoveThe Tim Ferriss Show · Aug 19, 2026 · 57 min
Tim Ferriss compiles advice from Esther Perel, Brené Brown, Brad Feld, Sue Johnson, Terry Real and others on sustaining long-term relationships.
Others on Conflict repair in relationships
- Stan Tatkin · 5 quotes
- Sheila Heen · 3 quotes
- Jim Dethmer · 3 quotes
- Terry Real · 2 quotes
- Diana Chapman · 1 quote
Esther Perel on other topics
- Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Gottman) · 1 quote
- Marriage and long-term partnership · 1 quote