Interfusion Festival 2022

In our relationships, we often end up subscribing to existing socially acceptable containers of relationship without fully considering whether they really work for us. For example, in many cultures, the standard life partnership is to meet someone, fall in love, date, move in, get engaged and married, have kids, and live happily ever after. But this one size fits all approach may not actually work for many people's deeper needs and desires – and this provides an opportunity to design a relationship that does fit.  

“Relationship by design” is a process for two people in any kind of long-term relationship to intentionally create a style of relationship uniquely designed to support their respective needs, desires, boundaries, and preferences. It consists of three stages: first, making the already-existing implicit nature of the relationship explicit; second, identifying and expressing desires, needs, and wishes for the relationship going forward; and third, constructing an agreement that includes overlapping desires while seeking to maximize the fulfillment of each person within the relationship.

In this 90 minute session, ART International Co-Founder and Senior Course Leader Ryel Kestano guides relationship partners through this powerful transformational process that culminates in deeper connection, greater empathy, more understanding of each other, and a relationship that can thrive and evolve over time.

*This workshop is for partners / pairs of two people who consider themselves in an “intimate” relationship—defined as a close relationship that includes emotional, mental, spiritual, and/or physical or sexual intimacy. Such relationships may include romantic partners, close friends, or family relationships alike. Please come to this workshop with your partner.