In this episode Mark welcomes relationship expert Thais Gibson to break down the six stages of relationships—from Dating and Honeymoon to Power Struggle, Rhythm, Devotion, and the Everlasting stage—and the exact rites of passage required to move through each. Together they expose why most couples stall (and split) in the power struggle, how to turn conflict into intimacy through vulnerability, needs-based communication, and trait integration, and why secure attachment isn’t a mystery—it’s a set of repeatable skills. You’ll learn how anxious partners can stop chasing, how avoidant partners can stop flaw-finding, and how both can build the habits that create a lasting “us.” If you’re ready to trade roller-coaster love for a relationship that’s rooted, resilient, and deeply satisfying, this conversation is your roadmap.

Thais Gibson is the co-founder of The Personal Development School, a best-selling author, podcast host, Ph.D. recipient, and a leading expert in personal development and attachment trauma. With over 13 certifications in modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnosis, and Somatic Experiencing, she spent nearly a decade in a high-demand client practice where a growing waitlist highlighted the need for more accessible tools for emotional healing. This inspired her to create The Personal Development School (“PDS”), which has since expanded into a global community of over 55,000 members across 145+ countries, supported by her extensive clinical experience and research.