Introduction: The Heart and Soul of Every Relationship

Welcome to another episode of Business Story of the Week, hosted by Joshua Lori! 🎙️ This time, we dive into a topic that touches us all: love and relationships. Dr. Mark Hicks, an author, ghostwriter, speaker, counselor, and relationship specialist, joins us to share insights on how to unlock the secrets to thriving relationships—romantic, familial, professional, and beyond. 🌟

Dr. Mark has poured his heart and soul into his work, particularly his book, Learning Love: Building a Life that Matters and Healthy Relationships that Last. Today, he’s breaking down the Five Components of Love and how we can apply them to improve every relationship in our lives. Let’s jump in! 🚀

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The Five Components of Love: Building Strong Foundations

Dr. Hicks reveals that relationships aren’t just about emotional connections but are built on learned skills. Whether it’s a friendship, family bond, or intimate relationship, love can be cultivated with the right approach. He shares five crucial components of love, which we can all master to create healthier and more fulfilling relationships:

1. Grief 🖤
   • This first component surprises many people. Dr. Hicks emphasizes that unresolved grief can block deeper connections, leading to emotional walls. Learning to grieve, process pain, and live with emotional scars is essential for moving forward with love in your life.
2. Emotional Connection 💕
   • The part we all know and love—those sweet butterflies and emotional highs! Whether it’s with a spouse, family, or coworkers, fostering emotional bonds makes relationships more meaningful.
3. Practicality 🛠️
   • Love isn’t all about the feelings—it’s about managing the day-to-day realities of life. Dr. Hicks reminds us that financial planning, communication, and even mental health management are part of what makes relationships sustainable.
4. Acceptance 🌱
   • “You can’t love others more than you love yourself.” Dr. Hicks drives home the point that self-acceptance is the key to loving others more deeply. When we accept and love ourselves, we create the foundation for richer relationships with those around us.
5. Passion 🔥
   • Passion isn’t just for romantic love—it’s about living life with a spark! Being passionate about your career, hobbies, and everyday experiences can fuel the wind in your sails for a joyful life.

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Grief: The Unexpected Healer in Love

One of the most eye-opening moments in this conversation is when Dr. Hicks talks about grief and how it intertwines with love. Grief is not just about mourning a loss but learning to live with the pain and finding a way forward. He shares a touching story of a woman who, after 50 years, had built emotional walls due to unresolved grief over a falling out with her sister. If only she had allowed herself to grieve, her life could have been different—filled with richer connections. 💔

Learning to grieve, Hicks says, allows us to live with the holes in our hearts but still move forward with joy and openness. 🌿

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Practicality: Love is Also About Doing the Work

It’s easy to forget that love takes work. Dr. Hicks emphasizes how practicality plays a vital role in keeping relationships strong. Whether it’s managing money, making big decisions, or addressing mental health, it’s the everyday grind that makes love last. “Emotion brings us together; practicality keeps us together,” he says. 💼

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Self-Acceptance: The Foundation of All Relationships

We’ve all heard it before—you must love yourself before you can truly love others. Dr. Hicks couldn’t agree more. He explains that if you’re struggling in your relationships or feeling unfulfilled, the issue might lie within. Accepting yourself with all your flaws and learning to love yourself is the key to being able to love others. 💖

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Conclusion: Passion Fuels Love in Every Area of Life

As we wrap up, Dr. Hicks leaves us with a powerful message: Love is a learned skill. Whether it’s passion for your job, for your family, or for life itself, keeping that fire alive is what makes life worth living. He reminds us that no matter where we come from, what trauma we’ve faced, or the mistakes we’ve made, we can all learn to live a life filled with love. ❤️

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Final Thoughts: Learn, Love, Thrive

If there’s one thing we take away from this enlightening conversation, it’s that love is something we can all get better at. So, take these five components—grief, emotional connection, practicality, self-acceptance, and passion—and apply them in your relationships today. The results might just surprise you. 🌟

Learn more about Dr. Mark Hicks and his work by visiting his website: MarkHicks.com. 📚