17x21in, quilter’s cotton (machine-pieced & quilted), created in 2022, NFS

This quilt is meant to represent the colliding and coalescing of two lives in marriage. As a marriage therapist, I have heard countless stories of the ins and outs of what couples struggle with and at the core of what is going on, trust is crucial. Trust is co-created in a coupledom, and even it has a core: emotional intimacy.

What to look for: The improvisational piecing of this quilt is meant to represent two stars colliding as an artistic take on marriage. This isn’t meant to go into diagnoses, but the reality of how our lives change when we share it with others. Rifts and ruptures will happen in the happiest of marriages, but the most important part is the repair of connection. The Gottman Institute (link below) says more on the topic and below is another book by Dr. Nagoski on creating healthy sexual (and emotional) intimacy in the relationship.

Learn more:  The Gottman Institute | A research-based approach to relationships & a free app: Gottman Card Decks App - Couples | The Gottman Institute

Book recommendation(s):  These books are not meant to replace medical intervention and/or skilled therapy.

Fight Right. https://a.co/d/dKEtJeD

Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections https://a.co/d/d9mkcgM

The 5 Love Languages Discover Your Love Language® - The 5 Love Languages®