In this episode, I talk about the curvature of expectations held in marriage/partnership over the centuries, and how in this day and age, it is beneficial, in some ways, to lower your expectations. I also address the "alpha male" and "high value man" conversation, and why we ought to be cautious and discerning about it. If you wish your partner was more spiritual or brought home more money, this episode will bring you some perspective, and how lowering your expectations will paradoxically open you up to receive MORE than you ever dreamed of in your partnership.   Links: Also, it’s my birthday! Take 31% off all my courses with the code BIRTHDAY31 until August 31:  Conscious Communication Course: https://www.anxiouslovecoach.com/consciouscommunication Both Feet In Relationship Anxiety Course: https://www.anxiouslovecoach.com/both-feet-in-self-study-course Quit Comparing Your Relationship Challenge: https://www.anxiouslovecoach.com/quit-comparing-your-relationship-in-7-days Ask me a question: https://www.wisio.com/anxiouslovecoach Evoke his Devotion 1 on 1 program: https://www.anxiouslovecoach.com/evoke-his-devotion-1-on-1-program Overhaul, my 1 on 1 relationship anxiety program: https://www.anxiouslovecoach.com/overhaul-1-on-1-program Join my Patreon here for more content and live monthly calls: https://www.patreon.com/AnxiousLoveCoach   Time Stamps: 3:00  Being happy with a loving, nonabusive, stable partner 5:25  Having both masculine and feminine sides to yourself 7:23 Ways I would “test” my partner in the past 16:00 Wanting your partner to “be more masculine” 18:12 The dangers of seeing your relationship as a competition 25:25 My thoughts on the new Barbie film 32:00 Social messages telling us to be extraordinary 33:23 Holding a desire for the life that you want vs. having expectations of your partner 36:50 The feminine will always want more 39:45 Don’t compare your nuanced relationship to a polarizing fantasy