How to Know if Your Communication is Improving in Marriage (and When to Get Help)

Let’s talk about something most of us aren’t naturally taught: healthy communication. Unless your parents modeled it, or you sought out resources, communication skills are often learned through trial and error. But here’s the good news—improving your communication doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, and it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.

In this episode, I’ll guide you through recognizing signs of improvement in your communication with your spouse and knowing when it’s time to seek outside help to take things to the next level.

Why Communication Feels So Hard

For many of us, communication struggles are a learned pattern. Growing up, we absorb how our family handles conflict—whether it’s yelling, avoiding tough topics, or shutting down. Without a strong foundation, you end up figuring things out on your own....

Navigating Motherhood and Marriage: Finding Balance and Harmony

Motherhood and marriage are two beautiful yet challenging paths that many of us juggle simultaneously. As you embark on this journey, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, isolated, and sometimes even stuck. The good news? You're not alone, and there are ways to navigate these waters without feeling like you're losing yourself or your relationship.

Let's dive into what we can do to make motherhood less overwhelming and keep our marriages thriving, even amidst the chaos. Here's what my guest, Hazel Walker and I explored in this episode.

Embracing the Reality of Motherhood

As we become mothers, the sheer joy and responsibility can be overwhelming. It's common to feel like you're losing a piece of yourself as you try to balance being a mom, a partner, and your own person. The trick is to take some time to reconnect with who you are beyond the titles of 'mom' and 'wife.' It's about rediscovering your likes, passions,...

Embracing Change in Marriage and Motherhood this Fall

As we are well into Fall now, this episode was inspired by the falling leaves I see on my daily walk and how it is so symbolic of learning to let go of what doesn't serve us and making room for growth, much like the beautiful trees shedding their leaves.

Fall as a Symbol of Renewal

Living in Georgia, I'm mesmerized by the diverse and brilliant colors around me—it's a breathtaking contrast to my old home in California. This got me thinking about how fall is a perfect time to reflect on what we might need to prune in our marriages, just as we might in gardening. It's about identifying what's not contributing to the vibrant life we envision with our partners.

What Do You Need To Allow To Fall Away in Your Marriage?

Consider the routines or habits that might be hindering your relationship. Are there moments when you've slipped into autopilot—like spending solitary time during bedtime rather than...

Mastering Communication: Turning Conflict into Connection in Marriage

In the complexities of marriage and motherhood, communication is often seen as the cornerstone of a successful relationship. But how do we truly cultivate effective communication, especially during conflict? Here’s an approach that transforms disagreements into opportunities for growth and deeper connection.

Understanding the Importance of Communication

Communication is at the heart of every relationship, from discussing day-to-day responsibilities to addressing more difficult issues. When we fail to communicate clearly, misunderstandings arise, leading to resentment and distance between partners. Without good communication, the cracks in a marriage can widen drastically. Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, but how we handle it makes all the difference.

A New Perspective on Conflict

Consider adopting a mindset of continuous improvement – a mentality where conflict isn't a...

Marriage, like any aspect of life, isn't immune to change. Often, we find ourselves in situations we didn't plan for, and that leaves couples feeling stuck or frustrated. But here's the good news: change is not only possible, it's inevitable. Your relationship is already different from what it once was, and that means it can continue to evolve—in a direction that brings you closer to what you truly desire.

Acknowledge the Current Situation

Before we dive into solutions, it's crucial to recognize and accept where you currently stand. This acknowledgment is the first step towards transformation. If your marriage isn't heading in the direction you'd hoped, it's time to pause and reconsider what you really want. What does an ideal marriage look like to you? Identifying this vision sets the stage for creating actionable steps.

Setting Your Desired Course

Once you've envisioned the kind of relationship you want, you can work backwards to figure out the necessary...

Rediscover the Joy of Intimacy: Transforming Your Marital Sex Life

In this episode, we're diving into a topic many find challenging yet significant—how to revitalize your sex life after entering marriage and motherhood. Our guest expert, Susan Bratton, breaks down some crucial insights that can help transform "I have to" into "I get to" when it comes to intimacy with your partner. Let's delve into how you can reignite that spark in your relationship!

Understanding Your Unique Sexual Needs

First things first, it's vital to recognize that feeling disconnected from your sex life doesn't mean something is wrong with you. Many women fall into the pattern of viewing sex as a chore rather than a source of pleasure. Factors such as hormonal changes, societal pressures, and lack of real sexual education contribute to this mindset. But here's the good news: understanding and embracing your unique sexual operating system can change everything.

It's Not About Meeting Obligations

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Embracing Hard Conversations for a Stronger Marriage

Navigating the complexities of marriage can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when confronting those hard, often uncomfortable conversations. It's so common to shy away from these tough talks, feeling a swirl of anxiety, fear, or even dread. You might find yourself thinking, "Why bother?" because the uncertainty of a positive outcome looms large. But here's the thing: conflict is inevitable in any close relationship. Whether it’s with your spouse, children, or even colleagues, disagreements are bound to surface because it's simply unrealistic to expect complete harmony at all times.

The key, though, is in how we handle these conflicts. Choosing to avoid them might seem tempting because it keeps us comfortable in the short term. However, this avoidance can lead to deeper issues, with growing resentment and prolonged discomfort. Instead, we can choose to confront these challenges head-on with the intent...

The Secret to a Stronger Marriage: Choose Connection Over Being Right

It's easy to fall into the trap of wanting to be right in our relationships, especially in marriage. After all, proving our point can feel so satisfying in the moment. But, as I've come to learn as a marriage coach, the real prize isn't in winning an argument – it's in nurturing a loving, connected relationship. In this quick read, let's explore how shifting from seeking victory to prioritizing partnership can transform your marriage.

You Can Be Right or You Can Have the Right Relationship

One of the biggest realizations I've had is this: in any conflict, you can either be right or have the right relationship. This doesn't mean you should become a doormat or always be wrong. It's about recognizing that in marriage, feeling connected and understood outweighs the temporary thrill of being right. It's the emotional intimacy that builds a strong couple, not the moments when one stands...

Balancing Ambition and Family: How to Avoid Burnout as a High Achiever

In today’s fast-paced world, balancing career aspirations with family commitments is a challenge for many. In a conversation with Katy Murray, we delved into the struggles and strategies of navigating ambition alongside a fulfilling family life. Here’s a peek into some key insights that can help you thrive personally and professionally without sacrificing one for the other.

The Art of Slowing Down

For many high achievers, the notion of slowing down seems counterintuitive. However, embracing a more mindful pace is essential for sustaining energy and avoiding burnout. Rather than racing to tick off every item on a never-ending to-do list, take a moment to breathe, reflect, and prioritize. This intentional pause helps you align your actions with your core values and goals, fostering a fuller, richer life.

Scheduling Downtime

A chief takeaway from our discussion is the importance of...

Navigating Marriage: Turning Conflict into Connection

This episode is about embracing imperfection, the strength of vulnerability, and how practicing what I preach to my clients and my community can transform relationships. Let's dive into an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at how one can apply principles of understanding and calm even in frustrating moments.

Facing Frustration: Recognizing Patterns

Marriage isn’t perfect, and for many of us, it's a continual learning path. At times, we face disappointment and unmet expectations, especially when juggling responsibilities. With one partner deeply immersed in work and the other managing a business, stress levels can rise when communication falters.

A Familiar Scenario: Juggling Responsibilities

Imagine the scene: hectic weekdays where one drops off and picks up kids, balancing between dance classes and school pickups. Tuesdays were meant for a shift in routine—where my husband covers the pickup....