Thursday, December 5th
19:42 - Oops I haven't written all day! Léo and I had been having such a good time during my visit! Lots of fun 😉
We had some cheese earlier for a snack/mini lunch. I think I'm converting him into a cheese fiend 🤣 We're going to get more tomorrow at the supermarket.
Hmm the only issue I'm having is with the amount of fun we've been having, I'm super sore 😅 I suppose there are worse problems to have!
Alright, while Léo is fixing stuff and then showering, it's time for language apps and couples apps and general catching up of to do list items!
Oh I forgot to mention I had an appointment with Sofía today and Léo was there, too! I think it went really well. Here's the summary:
- **Travel Experience**:
- Heather shared her travel experience from the U.S. to Brazil, including flight delays and concerns about human trafficking raised by her father.
- Heather's journey involved multiple flights and navigating airports, particularly in Florida.
- **Cultural Differences**:
- Discussion on cultural differences between Brazil and the U.S., including attitudes towards safety, water quality, and energy consumption.
- Heather's experience with Brazilian customs, such as showering practices and the use of electricity for heating water.
- **Relationship Dynamics**:
- Heather and Léo discussed their relationship, emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding each other's backgrounds.
- They acknowledged the need to address potential conflicts and differences in expectations.
- **Concerns and Expectations**:
- Sofía expressed initial concerns about Heather's well-being and the potential for idealization in the relationship.
- Heather reassured that she was in a good place mentally before meeting Léo, indicating personal growth.
- **Future Plans**:
- Heather and Léo have plans for sightseeing and exploring together during Heather's two-week stay in Brazil.
- They discussed the logistics of return flights and the need to cancel certain bookings due to changes in travel plans.
- **Communication Challenges**:
- Heather and Léo identified areas for improvement in their communication, particularly in explaining concepts and managing stress.
- They agreed on the importance of addressing issues as they arise to prevent misunderstandings.
- **Coping Strategies**:
- Discussion on the importance of self-regulation for Heather and the need for Léo to be patient and understanding during stressful situations.
- Emphasis on maintaining individual identities within the relationship to avoid codependency.
**Conflict Resolution**:
- The group discussed the significance of conflict in relationships, emphasizing that it does not equate to fighting but rather involves open communication about differences.
- They acknowledged the necessity of uncomfortable conversations for deeper understanding and compatibility.
**Next Steps**:
- Heather and Léo plan to continue working on their communication and understanding of each other's needs.
- Sofía will follow up with Heather in two weeks to discuss her experiences and any developments in her relationship with Léo.