Rebuilding Us: Marriage Podcast

I received a question from a listener whose husband wants to leave the marriage to seek “personal happiness.” She faces the difficult decision of whether to wait for him to find clarity or to move forward with divorce after their 24 years together, of which 13 were spent in marriage. Here are some of the highlights from the episode: Understanding Where Happiness is Found: I discussed the common misconception that happiness is a destination. In reality, happiness is a choice you make. Chasing after it without internal work is often fruitless. Purposeful Separation & Marriage Goals Even Here: If separation is the route chosen, it should be approached with clear goals. Arranging a separation with a mutually agreed-upon purpose and timeframe can help both spouses understand what they truly want from the future. Working on Yourself No Matter the Outcome: I applauded my listener for seeking therapy and emphasized the importance of continuing personal growth, regardless of her husband's decisions. The Power of Forgiveness: Even when reconciliation is not possible, pursuing forgiveness can free individuals from bitterness and resentment, enabling them to heal and move forward positively. When considering separation, it’s important to ask whether everything that could be done to save the marriage has been tried before deciding on divorce. This way, even if the marriage ends, you’ll know you gave it all you could give. If you have any questions or issues in your marriage that you'd like me to address, feel free to reach out via my website or on Instagram. Links Mentioned in this Episode: The "7 Secret Marriage Rules" audio For those of you considering a similar path, I suggest listening to my episode with Dr. Kim Kimberling, "Five Boxes to Check Before You Divorce" (Episode 245), to thoroughly evaluate your decision.Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What is the real reason so many marriages are failing? It’s not often addressed in mainstream marriage advice. When we take a look at the core issue of marriage problems and look at scripture, personal experiences, and real stories, we see one main culprit as the number one reason marriages break up. Key Discussion Points: Understanding Apathy in Marriage The Core Issue: Hardness of Heart Indicators of a Hardened Heart The Path to Restoration and Healing Real-Life Application Resources Mentioned: Get My Free Audio: 7 Secrets to a Healthier Marriage Dive Deeper with My "From Conflict to Connection Course" Episode 88: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Episode 68: How Passivity & Apathy Are Silently Killing Your Marriage Be sure to give the podcast five stars and write a positive review!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A truly sensitive yet relatable marriage topic is what to do when you feel a lack of physical attraction to your spouse. It can be embarrassing to admit to ourselves, much less talk about it openly, but it's necessary if we want to find solutions and improve our intimacy. A listener reached out to me, sharing her struggle. She explains that despite taking care of her own appearance, her husband has gained weight, which has affected her physical attraction to him. She has moments when she can overlook his flaws, but the inconsistency in attraction makes sustaining intimacy challenging. She wants to know how to continue keeping her husband sexually satisfied even when she's not feeling that attracted to him. In response, I explore several avenues to help address her concerns by digging to find the cause of her unattractiveness, having a courageous conversation with her husband, seeking help from the Lord, putting herself in remembrance of her husband’s strengths, and “making love” where love doesn’t seem to exist. Links Mentioned in this Episode: Ep. 310 - 5 Types of Intimacy Your Marriage Can’t Live Without Get My Free “Conversation Starters” for Couples in Conflict Like the show? Be sure to give it a five-star rating and write a positive review. Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you struggling to keep praying for your marriage but not seeing evidence of change? In this episode, I open up about my own journey in marriage and faith. Like so many of you, I've had to grapple with trusting in God when everything around me seemed unchanged or even worsening. My husband, Shaun, and I have been through our share of struggles, and it wasn't until I truly learned to let go and surrender my own desires that I began to see God's work in our lives. Throughout this episode, I outline five strategies that are crucial for maintaining faith, especially when you see no evidence of change: Continue to Pray Refocus Your Vision Imagine Positive Outcomes Act in Faith Surrender to God's will Links Mentioned in this Episode: 5 Ways to C.O.V.E.R. Your Marriage in Prayer Ep. 214: If God is For Me, Why Am I Suffering? Ep. 216: How to Walk by Faith When Life is Hard Like the show? Be sure to give it a five-star rating and write a positive review so others can find the show too!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today’s marriage question is about relationship gift-giving and communication. After receiving an unexpected Peloton bike from her husband for Christmas instead of the spa package she desired, a listener feels hurt and confused. Essentially, she is left to wonder does my husband think I'm fat? Listen in as I provide insights and practical advice on how to interpret such gestures, manage insecurities, and communicate unspoken expectations effectively in a marriage. To read the full show notes for this episode, visit danache.com/podcast. Have a relationship or marriage question you want me to answer on the show? Email or connect with me on Instagram. Download my "7 Secrets to a Lasting Marriage"Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hard conversations are often necessary in marriage. You can be loving and truthful at the same time. However, it can be easy to forget how to balance the two in relationships. It’s no secret that marriages, like any close relationships, thrive on open and honest communication. Yet, the art of conveying truth with care often eludes us. Today, we’re diving into this intricate dance and learning how to be honest without causing harm to our spouse or significant other, further driving a wedge in our unity. In this episode, you’ll learn about: Potential consequences of withholding the truth - how withholding the truth can lead to bitterness and resentment in marriages. Setting intentions for conversations - how to have a positive outcome in mind and center your spouse in conversations rather than yourself Developing the courage to confront marriage problems and find mutual solutions. A powerful acronym T.O.N.E. – Timing, Outcome, Necessity, and Empathy – and how to navigate these discussions successfully. We also highlight the necessity of empathy in relationships as a means to understand and deepen genuine connections. Links Mentioned in this Episode: Download my free audio: "7 Secret Marriage Rules to Know Before I Do and After I Did.” For more marriage resources visit danache.com. Like the show? Be sure to give it a 5-star rating and write a review!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Marriage is one of life's greatest teachers. What marriage teaches you, however, depends on how wise of a student you're willing to be. One of my listeners put me in the hot seat, asking, "What have you learned over the course of being married to Shaun for 25 years, and what has your marriage taught you about yourself?" I'm sharing several candid insights from my 25-year marriage journey, including: My Not-So-Pretty Self-Discovery: Marriage unveiled a side of me I never knew existed. Learn the importance of being aware of your tendencies and always working on yourself. Following God’s Blueprint: I have learned throughout my marriage the value of following God's ways in building a successful marriage. Or keep trying it your way and let me know how it goes. Understanding the Purpose of Marriage: My marriage has helped me grow into who God has purposed me to be. I'm sharing how. The episode goes beyond surface-level advice and offers heartfelt and practical insights, empowering you to approach your marriages with the right mindset and intentions. Whether you're newly married or have been on the journey for years, this episode provides valuable perspectives on how to make marriage a fulfilling and transformative experience. Remember to grab my free "Ultimate Couples Checklist" to help you build a healthy and thriving marriage at danache.com/ultimatecouple. Have a relationship or marriage question you want me to answer on the show? Email or connect with me on Instagram. Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Intimacy is often a misunderstood concept in marriage and is traditionally reduced to just sex. However, there are five different types of intimacy that can cultivate a healthier and more wholehearted marriage. Five Types of Intimacy in Marriage: 1. Spiritual Intimacy: The importance and practicality of being spiritually aligned with your spouse. 2. Emotional Intimacy: Recognizing and embracing your emotional self and providing a safe spouse for your spouse 3. Physical Intimacy: Going beyond sex to understand your spouse’s physical touch needs. 4. Intellectual Intimacy: Engaging intellectually with your partner and continuous learning and sharing of ideas. 5. Recreational/Experiential Intimacy: Building shared experiences and memories while maintaining friendship and fun in your marriage. Through today’s episode, you’ll learn practical ways to nurture and enhance each intimacy type in your marriage. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Take my “How Connected a Partner Are You?” Quiz Ep. 52: Making Love Outside the Bedroom - with Shaun Williams Like the show? Be sure to give it a five-star rating and please write a review if listening on Apple Podcasts!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when your words of affirmation miss the mark? This is a concern a listener and many spouses face, especially when trying to love an "unappreciative spouse." If you’ve ever felt like your heartfelt compliments are being met with sarcasm or jabs rather than gratitude, this episode is for you. Topics We Discuss: Understanding Communication Gaps: Learn how to bridge the disconnect between expressing words of affirmation and your spouse's reception. Hear how genuine affirmations rooted in appreciation for 'who they are' rather than 'what they do' can make a big difference. Building Emotional Well-Being: I Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Explore how encouraging and uplifting words contribute to emotional well-being. Handling Resentment: Gain insights into addressing potential resentment that may be present underneath the snide remarks. Learn how to better support your spouse, recognizing their efforts in everyday moments. Practical Tips for Meaningful Affirmations: From the warmth of eye contact to understanding your spouse’s preferred mode of communication, discover various methods to make your appreciation felt and acknowledged. You Might Also Like: Get My Conversation Starters for Couples in Conflict FREE Guide Here Ep. 123 - 5 Gifts Your Spouse Will Love Ep. 282 - Burnout of the Busy Wife- When Giving Too Much = Loving Less Like the show? Please give it a five-star rating and share a positive review!Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you ready to transform your marriage and bring back that sense of wonder? Here’s a sneak peek into what you'll discover in this episode: - Embrace the New: We explore how the new year offers a perfect opportunity to hit the reset button on your relationship and breathe new life into your marriage. - Finding Joy in the Ordinary: Learn how noticing and appreciating the little things your spouse does can reignite wonder and admiration in your partnership. - 4 Practical Steps to Rediscover Wonder: From cultivating gratitude to prioritizing fun and adventure, I've laid out four actionable steps to help you and your spouse reconnect and experience newfound joy. - Must-Read Resource: Discover insights from Tim Keller's book, "The Meaning of Marriage," and why prioritizing spiritual intimacy can deepen your emotional and physical bond. - Special Offers: Don’t miss out on our free Heart-to-Heart Conversation Starters PDF and my new ebook "Relationship Reset" to jumpstart your journey towards a more fulfilling marriage. Are you feeling burnt out and exhausted, struggling to find time for your relationship? It's time to create margin and prioritize what truly matters. Remember, your marriage can be as wonderful as you're willing to work for it to be. Reflect on this: When was the last time you looked at your spouse with awe and wonder? If it’s been a while, let's change that this year. Like the show? Be sure to give it a five-star rating and wrte a review! Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.