Just because something is common in marriage doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
We’ve heard countless couples ask: “Is this just a hard season… or is something actually wrong?” “Are we still okay, even though this feels hard?”
In this episode, we unpack those questions using anonymous submissions from real couples. You’ll hear what challenges are normal in long-term relationships—and what behavior or dynamics cross the line into unhealthy territory.
We cover emotional disconnection, mismatched intimacy, recurring conflict, parenting stress, and more. Plus, we share clear next steps for how to handle each one.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want clarity, this conversation will leave you feeling validated, informed, and ready to make meaningful change.
🎧 What You’ll Learn:
- What’s normal vs what’s not okay in conflict, intimacy, and parenting
- What’s normal vs what’s not okay in conflict, intimacy, and parenting
- Real examples from couples like you (and how we’d respond)
- One mindset shift that helps you stop tolerating what’s not working
🛠️ Resources Mentioned in the Episode
THIS SUMMER ONLY 3 MARRIAGE CHANGING GUIDES FOR THE PRICE OF TWO 🎉
→ Making Up & Moving Forward Guide → De-Escalating Conflicts Guide → Family Meeting Guide
Get the bundle here: https://thecouplesexperience.com/3guidesbundle
Surprise Bonus for Committed Couples If this episode was a wake-up call or gut check, you're not alone. Many couples drift because they normalize disconnection, resentment, or the roommate phase… until it’s too late.
That’s why we created the Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge to help you reignite emotional and physical intimacy in just a few intentional minutes a day.
This limited edition is only available a few times per year. And right now? We’ve got a surprise for you waiting here: https://thecouplesexperience.com/surprise
Episode Time Stamps:
01:00 – Is this a normal marriage challenge… or not okay?
01:38 – One key mindset shift: “If it hurts your partner and you won’t change, it’s an issue”
03:03 – Are you playing the same game—or using totally different marriage rulebooks?
05:29 – Conflict: What’s normal vs. what’s actually damaging
07:13 – Are you really repairing—or just resetting the same fight cycle?
08:43 – Is it okay to not talk for days after an argument?
11:27 – Want to shorten your conflict recovery time? Here’s how
13:05 – The truth about intimacy: What’s normal… and what hurts the relationship
16:00 – Intimacy shouldn’t only satisfy one person
18:48 – What to do if desire is low (emotionally, physically, or hormonally)
20:44 – The role of emotional and physical check-ins
22:57 – Are you in a “roommate rut”? You need this challenge
24:35 – The emotional load & mental load: What’s normal, what’s not okay
28:15 – “If you’re not playing by the same rules, no wonder it feels off”
32:11 – Parenting struggles: How common are they and what’s truly not okay
36:55 – You don’t just need consistency… you need adaptability
38:44 – Stop parenting by default—here’s what to do instead
42:30 – What happens when personal struggles or boundaries go unaddressed
44:15 – The boundary breakdown: “If you're not playing by the same rules, you're losing”
47:55 – Final takeaways + How to get resources for your marriage
EmPowered Couples with The Freemans