In this episode, Christa sits down with men’s marriage coach Eric MacDougall, an Enneagram 4 with 8 tendencies (4-3 pairing), to talk honestly about why so many men unknowingly disconnect emotionally, even while trying to “do everything right.” Eric shares the breaking-point moment when his Enneagram 3 (with-9) tendencies wife told him she loved him but wasn’t in love anymore, and how that revelation pushed him to confront his patterns of overworking, performing, and using sex or productivity as substitutes for true intimacy. Together, they explore why men often rely on sexual touch to soothe deeper loneliness, and how emotional leadership creates the connection they’re really longing for. Christa and Eric dive into differentiation, attunement, and how to become a safe, grounded presence instead of a fixer or withdrawer. Eric offers practical tools for rebuilding trust, cultivating intimacy that lasts, and leading with steadiness instead of intensity. This conversation is vulnerable, creative, and deeply hopeful for any couple wanting more connection and passion in their marriage. Listen here and watch on YouTube here! Find Eric's podcast at Evolved Marriage: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-evolved-marriage-podcast/id1564452959 Find The Evolved Marriage website and men's coaching groups: https://www.evolvedmarriage.com/ Find Evolved Marriage on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolved_marriage/?hl=en Get on our Advent adventure together too where we'll discuss hope, love, and joy starting December 1st at www.EnneagramandMarriage.com. Mark your calendars for Dec 9 as we meet over Zoom 1PM EST to discuss how to keep you from fighting all season long, too! Sign up for emails to get your link. Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here! www.EnneagramandMarriage.com Love what you're learning on E + M? Make sure you leave us a podcast review so others can find us, too here! Get Christa's Best-Selling Book, The Enneagram in Marriage, here! https://a.co/d/df8SxVx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
