Being there for your kids - Getting to Know You, No, Really Know You

Episode Date: September 13, 2025

When we're building a new relationship, we spend time getting to know each other. We plan, do stuff together, have fun. But really, that stuff is all about getting to know you, not getting to really know you. Sharing deep, intimate feelings with each other, being there in times of upset and crisis, that's when you really know the other. Those times together are spent in one's inner sanctum. It's always a risk to open up your inner sanctum to another. However, it's really worth it. That's where, in shared emotional intimacy, you find your kindred spirit, your soul mate. So, I'm asking today, where is your inner sanctum? Check out the following.

Hi, I'm Dr. John Robinson, and this is Teachable Moments. Let's talk about your inner sanctum today. Historically, the term inner sanctum makes reference to the most sacred part of a temple or church, the holiest area, often reserved for clergy or rituals. Figuratively, our individual intersactam is our emotional core, where our most private and intimate feelings reside. So, where is your inner sanctum? Where do you keep your most private, core feelings?

In your heart? In your mind? With whom do you share that space? Who knows what and how you really feel? Few people ever gain access to your inner sanctum of thought and feelings. There is exclusivity, privacy, and sometimes reverence to it. Joe was a go-getter in the marriage. He had a ton of casual friends with whom he played ball and drank.

Maggie, on the other hand, was the wallflower. At parties, she waited for us. others to come to her. How they have been able to be together all these years was a puzzle to many of their friends. Their secret was a shared inner sanctum. Each was attuned to the nuances of the other's behaviors. Each knew when something was up. In those times, they stopped whatever was going on and they shared their feelings with each other. Not only the sad, glad, mad variety, but all the varied feelings that they could find to express themselves intimately. Maggie sighed deeply as they got back home from a neighborhood party.

She enjoyed time with her girlfriends, and he drank and laughed it up with his guy friends. They caught glimpses of each other across the patio where their neighbor's girl was fired up. Joe caught drift of her deep sigh. Okay, babe, what's up? Joe curled his arm around her waist after putting their coats up. Nothing, really. I'm okay. She put on a happy face and smiled. Nice try, Joe urged.

Come on. out with it. It's just that Maggie hesitated, fearing she was being oversensitive and not wanting to make a big deal out of it. Well, I miss you when we're out together, but not together. What? I'm confused. Joe pulled away slightly, trying to make sense

out of Maggie's perspective. Yeah, we're in the same room, us and other people, but you are you and I am me. Maggie drew her lunk of a husband to her. I miss the us. I miss you. Joe's heart sank. He then lifted his wife and twirled

her around. Thank you, darling, for sharing. Don't keep that load on your mind. Maggie smiled and knuzzled into his chest. Let's be us right here. Now, he patted the couch. Let's sit and talk. She let him guide her to the sofa, concluding, and this is why we love each other. Joe and Maggie share each other's inner sanctum. She could have fusted him for not paying attention to her at the party. He could have gotten defensive, accusing her of jamming him up. If any of that was there, they put it aside and spoke their core intimate feelings. He knew it was Maggie's moment and he was there for her. The next time, it'll be his moment. Sharing your inner sanctity with another takes that relationship to a deeper, more meaningful level. Active listening in these moments

is the means of getting past the words to focus on the feelings behind them. In my new book, The Healing Journey, overcoming adversity on the path of the good life, I help you find and embrace your inner sanctum. For more, find my website at www. www.orgon-Robinson.com and buy your copy of my new book at Amazonbooks.com. Just click on the search button on the page and type in the title of my new book. Blessings, Dr. John. If my comments stir questions of your own, contact me through my website at www. thereformykids.com or email me at John Robinson.00 at bell-south.net.

Dr. Jonathan C. Robinson, licensed clinical psychologist and author of Teachable Moments, Building Blocks of Christian Parenting, and my new book, The Healing, Journey, Overcoming Adversity on the Path of The Good Life. Teachable Moments, Building Blocks of Christian Parenting is available online at Amazonbooks.com and in local and national bookstores. More on Dr. Robinson at t-M-C-P-I-N-C.com.