Jordan Peterson is a rising star among college students and young adults. As a professor at the University of Toronto (and clinical psychologist), he began posting his lectures online. He immediately resonated with many students drawn to his direct, no-nonsense challenge of cultural and political correctness.
He is a best selling author and popular speaker.
I’ve chosen five videos [plus a bonus] from Dr. Peterson talking about relationships.
You might not agree with everything you see in these videos, but I highly recommend you watch. He will challenge many of your preconceived ideas about what it means to be in relationship with others. I hope you will make the connection and see how his advice can help you have a better marriage.
In these recordings, Peterson dishes out relationship advice that every couple should hear.
Video #1: The BEST relationship advice EVER
This is taken from Peterson’s lectures on ‘Maps of Meaning.’
He discusses the idea of rewards to change our relationship.
Disclaimer: This information can be used in a very manipulative way.
I don’t think that is what Dr. Peterson intends. The concept of rewards can be used in positive ways.
I’ve heard my wife tell young women “We treat people how to treat us!” I think this is the idea behind what he advocates in this video.
The gist of the lesson is that we must break our negative responses (reacting in negative ways when we don’t like something) because this only reinforces tension and conflict. If we learn how to respond in positive ways to positive behavior, we can transform our relationships.
Video #2: Jordan Peterson on Why People Are So Unhappy
People are doubtful as to whether their lives have any meaning.
With that quote, Peterson discusses what it means to be happy in today’s world.
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What I find interesting (and he only touches on it) is the relationship between happiness and responsibility.
I’ve said for years, ‘Many of our problems (psychological glitches, hurts and troubles) can be solved when we have purpose in life.”
Another issue he raises concerns our diet and how that effects our life. Starts at 3:10.
This alone makes the video worth watching.
Video #3: The Real Reason for Marriage
Disclaimer: He uses profanity in this video.
This is part of one of his courses at University of Toronto. He discusses the foundation of trust and security in marriage.
Great on how to face arguments, disagreements and problems in our relationships.
His discussion of divorce is controversial, but worth contemplating.
Video #4: How to Have Better Conversations
Peterson’s comments are driven more toward counseling and therapy, but what he discusses can be applied to marriage very easily.
For example, he states:
“[We must have] a willingness to make things better [in all our conversations.” If we do this, we will move our conversation forward and have deeper, more meaningful conversations.
Having a positive outlook is a prerequisite of healthy relationships.
Video #5: Taking Responsibility
Disclaimer: Controversial political topics are discussed in this video
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Most people find the meaning for their lives through responsibility.
Regardless of what you’ve experienced, facing and taking responsibility is the path to personal growth.
The conversation in this interview is geared around political issues, but the principles he discusses can be applied to life in general.
I especially like his response to ‘not being offensive.’ Learning to listen is key.
Bonus Video: The Tragic Story of the Man-Child
I threw this one in because it discusses what it means to grow up and be mature.
To have a healthy marriage demands we take responsibility for our lives and grow up.
Wrapping It Up
You might not agree with everything Jordan Peterson believes or teaches, but his advice is worth hearing (seeing).
His insights are challenging and though provoking.
It’s your turn now.
What’s your favorite Jordan Peterson video on relationships?
Leave a comment below and let me know.
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Books By Jordan Peterson
