The Controversial Secret to a Happy Marriage
Gabrielle Reece and her husband Laird Hamilton, who Reece says is an “alpha male.” (Photo: Instagram)
Recently on The School of Greatness, I had an awesome interview with legendary surfer Laird Hamilton. I loved everything I learned from Laird (including the crazy breathing workout we did), but that was only half of the fun I had that day.
After interviewing Laird, I was able to interview his equally amazing wife, Gabrielle Reece.
Gabrielle, also known as Gabby, is incredibly accomplished — she’s not only a world-class sand volleyball athlete, but also a model, fitness trainer, author, wife, and mother.
In talking with Gabby, I really had the sense that she has it all. But she is the first to admit that it hasn’t been given to her. She has worked incredibly hard for everything she has.
We first talked about her volleyball career and how she paid her way through college by modeling. Then, we moved on to her top relationship advice (she and Laird have been married 20 years and have three daughters).
She gave me some particularly fascinating insight to her marriage with Laird, who she says is an “alpha male.” Even though some may find the following advice controversial, she had some smart things to say about how important it is to enable alpha males to stand in their power.
Here are her top tips for keeping a healthy, supportive relationship in place with an “alpha male” husband:
Respect his masculinity and give him space. Men know what they need to do when you give them the space to do it and allow them to step into their power.
Give him food and sex regularly. These are the two biggest ways to show alpha males you care.
Allow him space to be tender and honor you as a woman. Even very masculine men need to tap into balance by showing their softer side.
Don’t try to be his mother. An alpha male does not need that authority figure in his partner.
Gabby shared that by honoring her partner in this way, it allows him to support her as a strong powerful woman, which is a key to their successful marriage. She also pointed out that it hasn’t been smooth sailing all through the years. However, Gabby acknowledged that what she and Laird have learned from the bumps in the road ended up turning into solid building blocks of an even better relationship.
Listen to our full conversation below:
For more on Gabby, click here.
ABOUT LEWIS HOWES: Lewis is a pro-athlete turned lifestyle entrepreneur who hosts the top-ranked podcast The School of Greatness. He interviews the best and brightest minds in health, entrepreneurship, relationships and lifestyle. Follow Lewis on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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