Emotional Intimacy: You Want Connection. He Wants Peace. Now What?

Off the Fence with Karen Covy: Mastering Decision Making, Divorce & More

Most people want a strong partnership—but what does it actually take to build one that’s equal, respectful, and emotionally connected? In this conversation, relationship coach Sharon Costanzo breaks down the hidden dynamics that keep couples stuck. Drawing from her work with high-achieving women, Sharon explains how unconscious habits and social conditioning can block true collaboration in marriage—and what it really takes to break those hidden patterns.

Throughout the conversation, Sharon shares candid insights about how to voice your needs without pushing your partner away, how to handle defensiveness and misunderstanding, and why assuming good intent can completely change the tone of a tough conversation.

As the discussion goes deeper, Sharon gets into the messy reality of navigating conflict, resentment, and unmet expectations in long-term relationships. She talks about accountability, emotional fidelity, and how to figure out whether your marriage can still meet your core needs.

Whether you're trying to repair a struggling relationship or just make a good one better, this conversation challenges the idea that love should be effortless—and makes a strong case that real intimacy requires courage, skill, and ongoing negotiation.

About Sharon

Sharon Costanzo is a relationship coach and the founder of Respected & Connected, where she helps high-achieving women create balanced, meaningful partnerships without over functioning or burning out. With a focus on navigating gender dynamics and fostering equity in relationships, Sharon empowers her clients to advocate for their needs with confidence and compassion. Through her private coaching, 'The Better Marriage Blueprint,' and other resources, she teaches practical strategies to build deeper intimacy and collaboration.

Connect with Sharon

You can connect with Sharon on LinkedIn at Sharon Costanzo and on Facebook at Sharon D Costanzo and you can follow her on Instagram at Respected and Connected. To find out more about Sharon’s work visit her website at Respected and Connected.

Bonus Offer

Sharon is offering a free guide called the Partnership Playbook: five simple steps to share the load, deepen your bond, and create a thriving partnership - without blame or guilt!

Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube.
You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

Chapters

1. Emotional Intimacy: You Want Connection. He Wants Peace. Now What? (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Relationship Collaborations (00:00:10)

3. The Messy Conversations Worth Having (00:06:42)

4. From Complaints to Requests (00:14:30)

5. Accountability and Letting Go of Resentment (00:22:41)

6. Navigating Expectations in Modern Marriage (00:29:28)

7. Final Advice and Episode Wrap-Up (00:39:15)