3 Simple Ways to Stop Screens from Stealing Your Time Together

Ever sit down for date night and realize you’re both scrolling instead of talking? You’re not alone. In this episode, we tackle the challenge of “technoference,” or when screens quietly slip between you and your spouse.

For couples who can’t just unplug completely—because, for some of us, “off the clock” isn’t really a thing—we share three simple, memorable ways to protect your marriage time from digital noise. From quick phone checks that don’t spiral into scrolls, to turning toward each other when it matters most, this episode offers practical steps to keep your connection strong, even in a screen-saturated world.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:

• What “technoference” means and how it quietly affects relationships
• Why “just turn it off” doesn’t always work for busy couples
• Practical steps to handle screens with purpose instead of guilt
• Three simple, memorable habits for protecting your marriage time

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Veni, Vidi, Vici — “I came, I saw, I conquered”: Take care of the urgent task quickly, then turn back toward your spouse.
2. Stop, Look, Listen: Pause before reaching for your phone. Notice your moment and your marriage.
3. Ready, Steady, Go: When your spouse bids for attention, get ready to respond, steady yourself to act, and then go by giving them your full focus.

US TIME CHALLENGE

This week, try one of these three ideas. Maybe it’s setting down your phone mid-scroll, conquering that quick work text and returning fast, or intentionally turning toward your spouse when they reach out. Small shifts can make a big difference in how connected you feel.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss what’s next. And we’d love to hear from you! Which of these takeaways do you need most? Share it with us on social media or send us a message at AshleighSlater.com.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt (https://a.co/d/a1rrbEA)
• “Technology Tips and Traps in Your Relationship” by Kailee Hansen and David Schramm (https://extension.usu.edu/relationships/research/technology-tips-and-traps-in-your-relationship)
• The Big-Baby Pivot from How to Talk So Your Spouse Feels Seen and Heard {Episode 101} (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us-podcast-episode-101/)

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