Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast When Your Love Changes
Dec 25, 2025
Dr. Greg Smalley, a marriage expert and leader of the Focus Marriage team, and Erin Smalley, a marriage counselor, share insights on navigating the ever-evolving nature of marriage. They discuss how spouses influence each other's growth and the importance of personal responsibility in managing expectations. The couple explores the dynamics between introversion and extroversion, highlighting how Greg's introversion has positively shaped Erin's appreciation for quiet time. Their practical advice helps couples blend traits and grow closer together.
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Love Changes Over Time
- Love in marriage naturally changes across seasons and requires adjusted expectations.
- Greg and Jim emphasize self-reflection over blaming your spouse when expectations fail.
Work On Yourself First
- When expectations get dashed, take a deep breath and work on yourself rather than blaming your spouse.
- Supporting your spouse fosters better marriage functioning and mutual positivity.
Marriage As Spiritual Investment
- Ephesians 5 reframes husbandly love as supporting and investing to help your spouse become her best self.
- The goal becomes asking if your spouse is better off because they married you.