Open Relating newsletter - April 2024


Dear Reader

April newsletter is short and to the point. I spent the month of March buried in books and research, racing to submit my MA thesis by the end of month deadling. It is now behind me and I am looking forward to being more active online and in-person with workshops, courses and events. I am open to your feedback, questions and requests on which topics I should cover in upcoming online workshops.

The next peer support will be this Sunday, April 7th. I am including in this newsletter a few events that are happening in May both online and in-person in London.

On April 3rd I joined @decolonizing.love for an IG Live, you can watch the playback of this talk here.

Heads up, the following weeks I have little to no availability to see clients, so if you are intending to book a session, best to plan around them:

  • April 12-21
  • May 20-27

There's often anxiety around rejecting someone that's interested in you. This is especially true for women, and people who have a strong people-pleasing part.

As a polyamorous person, I get rejected periodically and it's just part of life. It's clear to me that not everyone I'm interested in, would be into me in the same way.

I believe that it is important to always be gracious and empathetic in receiving a rejection, for a few of reasons.

Empathy is built through practice. This can be a great opportunity to train your empathy muscle by understanding this is not about me not being good enough, but about them prioritising their wellbeing.

When I show gratitude to them for letting me down gently and acknowledge their discomfort without making it about me, it helps them be more confident and a better self-advocate over time.

Ultimately this is also best for me, as I don't want to ever enter a relationship with someone who isn't as much into me, as I'm into them.


11 May: Conscious Play Fighting

We return to the wonderful Akasa space in East London for another exciting and transformational (for some) event. This one is a special one as I will be celebrating my birthday on the same day.

Use promo code 'newsletter' for a discount.

Click here for more info and to book your tickets.

12 May: Sunday Sex School - Is all Masculinity Toxic? Finding Meaning and Purpose in Manhood

Online panel discussion where I will join 2 other panelists for a stimlating discussion on this topic.

Click here to book your free tickets.

The next online peer support is Apr 7th and then 5th May

The monthly group session continues for small-group deep dives, mutual support and amazing insights. You can have the option of purchasing an annual subscription that saves money and time and guarantees your place. There are 2 options, and the package includes other great benefits:

  • Basic subscription includes:
    • Attending all peer support sessions for a year
    • Joining the private Telegram group
    • Unlimited access to all paid video content
  • Premium subscription includes:
    • Everything in basic subscription
    • Private, chat-based 30 minutes of support per month
    • 20% discount on coaching sessions

Need support urgently?

If we have not spoken before, a short initial consultation for 20 minutes can be booked even for same day. The cost of the session is given back to you as credit to use for any other service.


Quick links to website resources that you may find helpful:

I hope that spring comes to you soon!

Do you have a question that others might also find helpful to have answered? Submit it online or email me and I will answer it in full in the next newsletter.

I hope you have a wonderful spring start and get to appreciate the new flowers and leaves, symbolising new beginnings.

Sending lots of love,

Roy

Roy Graff

Relationship Coach and Psychotherapist specialising in non-traditional and alternative relationship dynamics. Affirming and experienced with Polyamory, kink, neurodivergence and queer identities.

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