Chemistry Isn't Compatibility | Szn. 5 Ep. 3
6/28/202629 min
Most of us spend years learning math, science, and history—but nobody teaches us how to be in a relationship. Yet, we're expected to communicate effectively: navigate conflict, set boundaries, express our needs, repair hurts, and stay emotionally connected.
In this episode, Dr. Jenn breaks down the relationship skills that many of us never learned growing up—and why the struggles you're experiencing may have less to do with compatibility and more to do with skill building.
You'll learn:
- The difference between chemistry and relationship skills
- Why conflict is normal (and how to handle it better)
- How emotional regulation impacts communication
- The role of boundaries in healthy relationships
- Why resentment often signals an unmet need
- How repair conversations strengthen trust and intimacy
- The power of curiosity, validation, and direct communication
Whether you're dating, partnered, or reflecting on past relationships, this episode offers practical tools to help you create deeper connection and healthier communication.
Because lasting relationships aren't built by perfect people—they're built by people willing to learn, practice, repair, and keep showing up.
Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Instagram: @drjennkennedy
Website: Pleasure Project
Website: Riviera Therapy
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsJen Kennedy· Host0:00
[upbeat music] Hi, I'm Dr. Jen Kennedy, sexologist, couples therapist, and host of Pleasure Project. This podcast is all about sex, relationships, and the complicated and fascinating space where they collide. We talk about desire, connection, dysfunction, communication, exploration, toys, trends, and the things people usually are thinking about but not always saying out loud. Some episodes feature leading experts, and sometimes it's just me and honest conversations with you. Either way, the goal is simple, more insight, more connection, and more pleasure. If you enjoy these conversations, you can follow along on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, @drjenkennedy, or visit my website at drjenkennedy.com for even more resources and conversations around intimacy, relationships. All right, let's get into it. [upbeat music] Today we're talking about something that every single one of us needs but almost none of us were given, and that's relationship skills. Think about it. We spend years learning math and science, et cetera, but no one teaches us communication about when we're hurt. So no one teaches us how to navigate conflict and repair after a fight or healthy boundaries or how to stay connected when life gets stressful. As a therapist, I often see people who assume that if a relationship is difficult, something must be wrong with the relationship or with their partner. But more often than not, what I see is