"Our most vital relational need is to be emotionally safe...we cannot truly connect with anyone if we don't feel safe in their presence." —Alex Avila But what is emotional safety, exactly? How can you tell if a person or relationship is safe or unsafe? Christian therapist Alex Avila explains what it looks like to protect our hearts while giving and receiving "safer love." SAFER LOVE: S = Slow and soft A = Appreciation F = Feelings E = Empathy R = Responsibility L = Listening O = Openness V = Validation E = Empowerment Alex A. Avila is a licensed professional counselor and certified sex addiction therapist who meets with men, women and couples to help them overcome trauma, connect emotionally in their relationships, and rewrite their sexual scripts. Alex also facilitates couple’s workshops and couple therapy intensives, men’s sexual recovery groups, and online relationship classes.Learn more about Alex at alexaavila.com Join our Live Q&A with Alex on November 8, 2022 inside the Husband Material Community Buy one of Alex's books (these are paid links): Emotional Safety: Honoring Yourself While Creating Trust and Presence to Experience Meaningful Relationships40 Forms of Intimacy: Integrating Daily Connection Into Your Couple Relationship