The art of gifting: How men can do better on special occasions

Loading player...
On behalf of women everywhere, this episode is dedicated to helping men understand why over 90% of women feel dissatisfied on special occasions like Mother's Day, birthdays, and anniversaries. Drawing from my clinical practice and conversations with clients and friends, I break down the five love languages framework as a practical tool for meaningful gift-giving.

This isn't about expensive presents - it's about intention, effort, and showing that you've been paying attention. I walk through each love language with specific examples: the art of thoughtful gifting (beyond just buying something), creating quality time experiences, meaningful acts of service, physical touch that meets her actual needs, and words of affirmation that show you truly see her contributions.
The episode includes practical tips like putting important dates in your calendar with advance alerts, understanding that preparation time is part of the gift, and why the entire day matters, not just one gesture. Essential listening for anyone who wants to show appreciation in ways that truly land.

Follow Carly on:
Website: https://onthecouchwithcarly.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfBi56xQookfRGL3zvWVzCg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthecouchwithcarly/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onthecouchwithcarly/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onthecouchwithcarly
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/on-the-couch-with-carly/id1497585376
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t7A2FMnISQ2fz9D5p0Xuw
6 Aug English Explicit South Africa Self-Improvement · Relationships

Other recent episodes

MICRO EP: Why being a psychologist makes parenting harder

I've been thinking about how being a psychologist and a parent at the same time is really hard. After 14 years of practice, I've heard so many stories of messed up childhoods and adults who resent their parents. Now when I'm parenting my own kids, I can almost anticipate which…
18 Oct 7 min

Between privilege and poverty: Mental health inequality with Claire van Dyk

I sat down with Claire van Dyk, an HPCSA-registered counselor working for the Western Cape Department of Health, and honestly, this conversation shook me. Claire reached out to be on the podcast because she's passionate about having uncomfortable conversations about mental health care inequality in South Africa—and we went there…
1 Oct 1 hr 03 min

MICRO EP: Grief, shame, and crying babies - The emotions we don't talk about

This micro episode explores the psychological realities of having a baby through metaphors that make sense of experiences that often feel impossible to articulate. I compare having a baby to that nightmare where you're suddenly in an exam you haven't studied for, or realize you're naked in public - that…
25 Sep 9 min

MICRO EP: Fashion as creative expression

This micro episode is a fun experiment where I channel Bella Freud's "Fashion Neurosis" podcast to explore my own relationship with clothing and style. I dive into why fashion fascinates me as both a psychologist and a human being. I explore clothing as a form of creative expression - like…
10 Sep 7 min