You Need to Tussle–Just Like Other Mammals

40th FCL 19

OUR BIGGEST RELATIONSHIP WOWS OVER 40 YEARS OF MARRIAGE – PART 19 OF 31

We humans like to connect with our weight, to feel the impact of being fully met in our physicality and embodied presence. When our cats do this, we call it tussling, and it’s really a form of play that many grownups don’t give themselves. Most people confine their play to games, word play or external entertainment like movies. You can generate a deep connection by creating your own forms of friendly tussling. For example, dropping the words out and standing shoulder to shoulder leaning into each other, or pushing against each other’s hands in a satisfying way can jumpstart a new thrill and interrupt routine relating. Slogging or playing—your choice.

Read the full series: Our Biggest Relationship Wows

Related Resources

Gay and Katie Hendricks

Seven Principles and Seven Magic Moves

Conscious Luck Book Clubs at Hiitide

Conscious Luck Book Club

GAYL_168_0127_T copy020207

The Big Leap

Evolutionary Playground: New Paths to Change for Uncertain Times, Summer/Fall 2025