Stronger Marriage Connection

On today’s episode of the stronger marriage connection, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz sitdown with life coach Julie Balkman and discuss the dating game when it comes to relationships and how to get out of the game and develop healthy happy relationships without the runaround.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Julie Balkman?2:01 – Getting into coaching5:47 – Thinking that gets us stuck7:28 – Playing the dating game can be confusing8:30 – Being in a “situationship”9:28 – CCQ: Clear, Concise, Quick14:04 – Largest obstacles for dating today17:36 – Good tips on connecting in dating18:33 – Two things to look for in a partner21:22 – Some practical tips and tools23:22 – Decision making success system25:27 – Dating Interview Project28:42 – Key to a stronger marriage connection30:05 – Where to find more resources31:50 – TakeawaysAbout Julie Balkman:Julie Balkman was trained and mentored by 3 life coaching programs which resulted ineight years and thousands of hours in coaching experience. She is an expert panelistfor the LDS dating app “Mutual” and is currently writing a book about LDS dating. Shewas a former co-host of a three-year international young adult support group and is theowner/operator of the 100 interviews project, a project involving 120 young adultsinterviewed about dating. She is an artist and illustrator and loves to dance!Insights:Julie: Be responsible: being responsible is sexy, romantic, confident, peaceful, and loving. When you are responsible you create a better life for yourself and your significant other.Dave: It is critical to have a willingness to learn. It is ok to accept different things and want tolearn and change, especially within a relationship.Liz: I love the idea of CCQ, clear concise and quickInvites:   •    Invite me to share my Dating Map Presentation as a guest speaker. I love speaking and teaching to any size audience.   •    I have 1:1 coaching packages, plus a VIP acceleration package, which I would love to tell about. VIP: 6 weeks, 6 days a week, 20 minutes each day.   •    Start with love, learn how to be a receiver of love so you can be ready for a realrelationship.Julie Balkman Links:https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=julie+balkman&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8https://www.instagram.com/lifecoach.julie/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

In this episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection podcast, Dr. Ashley LeBaron-Black tackles the hard conversation “How do I manage money in marriage.” Join us to learn how conversations about money can connect you and your partner rather than pull you apart.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Ashley Lebaron-Black?1:48 – Is the issue really about money?5:12 – Managing money habits: Family background7:34 – Working together to manage money8:45 – Family financial socialization10:25 – Overcoming discomfort in talking about money12:00 – Money management matters: Debt, materialism, financial deception, etc.15: 35 – Joint bank accounts18:08 – Financial therapy for marriage19:30 – What makes a stronger marriage connection to Ashley20:10 – Ashley’s tools and tips24:50 – How do I bring up money while dating?36:40 – TakeawaysAbout Dr. Ashley LeBaron-Black:Dr. Ashley LeBaron-Black is an Assistant Professor of Family Life at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She received her PhD in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona. Her research focus is family finance, including finances in couple relationships and financial socialization. Ashley has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Family and Economic Issues. She is Chair of the Family Financial Wellbeing focus group for the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR).Insights:Ashley: Don’t let your money control you and your marriage; you can control itDave: There is no right way to manage money in your marriage, but it is so important tounderstand where your ideas of money management are coming from. Take some time to understand and communicate that with your partner.Liz: Talk about money with your partner, be honest.Invites:   •    Sit down with your partner this week and develop a monthly budget together.   •    Talk to your spouse about how you want to manage your money together goingforward. Should we do a monthly meeting, get a joint bank account, etc.?   •    Read a blog post from Ashley’s website to understand a part of money management you and your partner may not understand.Ashley Lebaron-Black's Links:https://lebaron-black.byu.edu/ Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:Strongermarriage.orgpodcast.strongermarriage.orgFacebook: StrongerMarriage.orgInstagram: Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

On today’s episode of the stronger marriage connection, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz sitdown with Dr. Bill Doherty, back from Season 1 due to popular demand, to share how we can all become marital first responders. A long time Marriage and Family Therapist, he is an expert on challenges couples face when navigating marital crisis.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Bill Doherty?2:29 – Where the idea of marital first responders comes from4:42 – First important step in being a first responder.6:32 – Other Do’s and Don’ts9:45 – We can be an influence12:16 – Common complaints from marriages15:26 – Perspective skill technique example19:16 – Learning to protect boundaries21:36 – Unforced error24:12 – You can be a friend to someone and their marriage30:33 – What to say without adding negativity31:14 – Where to get more resources from Bill32:55 – Takeaways About Bill Doherty:Bill Doherty is a Professor in the Department of Family Social Science at the Universityof Minnesota. A long-time marriage and family therapist, he is an expert on challengescouples face in the modern world, on navigating marital crisis and avoiding divorce, andon using family rituals to enhance the quality of family life. His books for the publicinclude The Intentional Family and Take Back Your Marriage. In recent years Bill hastaken this couples work to the national level via cofounding Braver Angels, an initiativeworking to decrease the political polarization that is dividing the country. Among his awards is the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Family TherapyAcademy. Insights:Bill: Marriage is existing of social relationships and when people open up, it is a precious gift they are giving. It is good to be mindful and intentional in how we respond.Dave: We can have empathy without agreeing with others perspectives, you can still show compassion and lend a helping hand even if we don’t necessarily agree with what they may be saying.Liz: LEAP: Listen, empathy, affirm and positive perspective Invites:   •    Check out maritalfirstresponders.org and participate in some of the workshops available to you.   •    When giving advice to friends it is important to be a good friend to that person but also their marriage, listen with empathy but don’t rush to give advice. Don’t jump to take a friend’s side without considering the whole picture.   •    Use life experience when giving out advice, you may not be an expert but we all have experiences to take and learn from when helping others. Bill Doherty Links:Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

Sam and Ember were on the verge of divorce for several years. They were a couple that Dr. Liz Hale worked with in her private practice, and they are willing to no longer be private but go public and share how they miraculously turned their marriage around from miserable to incredible.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who are Sam and Ember?2:35 – What is something you wish you would have known before getting married?4:51 – Contributors to the breakdown of a marriage9:00 – Sam’s background11:56 – How can two people experience one marriage differently?15:45 – Addressing ‘me’ to fix ‘we’20:00 – Ember’s ah-ha moments toward change26:01 – Sam’s ah-ha moments toward change31:00 – Communication strategies36:43 – The role of forgiveness in healing41:08 – Strategies to maintain connection43:14 – Advice for couples on the brink46:16 – Honesty is a key for a stronger marriage connection. Seek what’s best for the marriage.Insights:Sam: Get help. Some issues may be beyond what the two of you can do together. Be honest. You can decide what kind of spouse you want to be.Ember: Deal with conflict before the weekend. Start your weekend with a clean slate.Invites:   -    Deal with conflict as soon as you can. If there is something bothering you, sit down and have a conversation about it with your partner when you both are in a clear headspace.   -    Take some time today to evaluate yourself. Is there something you need to forgive yourself for?    -    Give your partner a hug, a small peck on the cheek, or a squeeze of the hand today. Just a little physical affection can go a long way. Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:Strongermarriage.orgpodcast.strongermarriage.orgFacebook: StrongerMarriage.orgInstagram: @strongermarriagelifeTikTok: @strongermarriagelifeDr. Dave Schramm:https://drdaveschramm.comhttps://drdavespeaks.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/DrDaveUSUFacebook Marriage Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579Facebook Parenting Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/542067440314642Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

Do you ever feel like your partner is more like a roommate than a spouse? This isn’t uncommon for couples to experience, and is actually a feature of marriage than a bug. Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz talk with Nate Bagley about “Roommate Syndrome” and discuss how being in this rut can act as a catalyst for growing up our marriage. As something that everyone in a relationship encounters, this podcast is a must-listen-to resource to create a stronger marriage connection!Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Nate Bagley?1:42 – Fear of a mediocre marriage3:59 – Interviewing the most successful and happy couples6:15 – What is “roommate syndrome”?10:20 – How to get the spark back in your marriage12:30 – How to get out of the roommate rut18:01 – Roommate syndrome is a feature, not a bug19:57 – Happiness is a byproduct of growth22:20 – The Eisenhower Matrix27:10 – What do we need to do to have a great marriage?30:10 – Maximize enjoyment for both people32:48 – Nate Bagley resources33:32 – Nate’s takeaway: you have more control over your marriage than you think35:33 – Liz’s takeaway: remember maximum joint enjoyment36:06 – Dave’s takeaway: the pillars of friendship – I like you, I know you, I trust youAbout Nate Bagley:Nate Bagley is a marriage researcher and educator whose mission is to rid the world of mediocre love. His passion is helping people DO the things that make their relationships extraordinary.In 2012, Nate did a cross-country road trip where he interviewed the country’s most madly-in-love couples, and renowned relationship experts to discover the secrets of truly epic, lasting love.Since then, he’s given a TEDx talk, and been published in Business Insider, Thrive Global, The Good Men Project, the Gottman Institute blog, and many other outlets. He always loves hearing from his readers and listeners, so please feel free to reach out to him at his website here.Insights:Nate: Happiness is a byproduct of growth and roommate syndrome is a byproduct, not a bug. Roommate syndrome gives you the opportunity to grow up.Dave: Foster the 3 pillars of friendship: I like you, I know you, I trust you.Liz: Remember to focus on maximum joint enjoyment.Invites:   -    If you feel like you and your partner have roommate syndrome, try doing something out of your comfort zone today (ask a personal question, address a topic that makes you anxious, etc.).   -   It’s the little things that get you out of roommate syndrome. Try making your partner a meal they wouldn’t expect (like breakfast or lunch), or sending them a sweet text while they’re away (even if not for very long).   -    Try to make your marriagVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

On today’s episode, Dr. Dave and Dr. Liz talk with Dr. John Van Epp who brings to light some of the most important things we can do when selecting a life partner as well as how to strengthen those relationships over time. We learn some of the predictors of how long-term relationships will turn out as well as some principles to help navigate both red and green flags within our relationships.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is John Van Epp?2:42 – Life-partner selection process11:58 – Predictors of getting to “know” and getting to “no”13:33 – Media love vs True love16:10 – Let heart and head work together20:00 – Discerning our partner is a process26:16 – 5 ways to notice green flags and red flags31:30 – With definition comes implementation34:02 – Attraction alone is not enough35:04 – Key areas to address stressors and struggles in dating40:43 – Being equally yoked strengthens connection42:32 – Have a game plan for managing your relationship44:26 – John’s relationship resources47:10 – John’s takeaway: heart and head are meant to work together48:38 – Liz’s takeaway: Partner selection process is key49:04 – Dave’s takeaway: Trust and commitment grow over time, RAM is a great resourceAbout John Van Epp:John Van Epp, PhD, President and Founder of Love Thinks, LLC is the author of How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk (or Jerkette) - top choice for singles by Christianity Today; Becoming Better Together: the RAM plan for growing together when life is pulling you apart; and Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faithand Family in America.He has previous experience as   -    a founding church pastor   -    an adjunct seminary professor in marriage and family with extensive research inpremarital, marital, and family relations   -    a clinical counselor for 25 years in his private counseling practice   -    and for over 20 years, he has trained military personnel and contracted with the military as a subject matter expert (SME) in relationship health, psychology, religion, suicide, and resilience.For the past 25 years, he has developed relationship programs that have been taught by over 35,000 certified instructors to over one million participants.He was awarded the Smart Marriage and the NARME Impact Awards, and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Psychology Today, O Magazine; he has appeared on the CBS Early Show, Good Morning America, Fox News, and Focus on the Family.Insights:John: With definition comes implementation. Your heart and your head are meant to work together in making decisions.Dave: Trust and commitment grow over time.Liz: There is very little you can do to compensate after marriage fVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

Our podcast today is with our guest speaker Dr. Robert Navarra. He talks about addiction and how there is hope in recovering. An interesting talking point he mentions is that recovery should be done as a partnership. He provides some helpful insights for partners in dealing with the disease of addiction that can sweep into a relationship.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Robert Navarra?2:44 – Fear and misunderstanding of addiction5:42 – What’s the difference between codependency and interdependency?9:34 – What partners of addicted individuals should know11:03 – Addiction impacts the relationship not just the individual just like a disease14:31 – Most common addictions15:49 – Safe levels of drinking18:50 – Rituals in relationships create connection21:52 – Resources to help with creating rituals23:39 – Understanding addictions and affairs27:53 – Couple recovery resources32:16 – Advice for partners of addicted individuals35:15 – Responding to your partner in a way that feels good to create a stronger marriage connection37:35 – The smallest unit of intimacy38:12 – Robert’s takeaway: addiction is treatable and it is preventable39:32 – Liz’s takeaway: be aware of “secondhand harm”37:00 – Dave’s takeaway: there is hope; we’re in this together, let’s do this together.About Robert Navarra:Dr. Navarra has been a Certified Gottman Therapist since 2007 and is a Master Trainer, Consultant, and Researcher with the Gottman Institute. He has trained therapists nationally and internationally and is a popular presenter at conferences, webinars, podcasts, and in the media. He has co-authored book chapters with Drs. John and Julie Gottman on Gottman Method Couples Therapy, as well as co-authoring with Dr. John Gottman three articles on Gottman Therapy for the Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy.Dr. Navarra developed a relational model of addiction assessment and treatment and has been published in textbooks and in the Encyclopedia of Couple and Family Therapy on systemic approaches in addiction recovery. Dr. Navarra was also recorded presenting a workshop that he developed, Couples and AddictionRecovery Training, for an online class offered by the Gottman Institute that requires therapists in the Gottman Certification track program to complete. The Gottmans also invited Dr. Navarra to present his model with them at the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference. He is currently collaborating with the Gottmans on researching the effectiveness of a workshop for recovering couples that he designed called, Roadmap for the Journey: A Path for Couple Recovery. Additionally, he teaches addiction assessment and treatment in the Graduate Counseling Psychology Program at Santa Clara University in CaliforniaInsigVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

Dave and Liz talk with Dr. Matt Townsend on the Stronger Marriage Connection podcast today about how we can foster our basic needs in our relationships. Dr. Matt shares seven principles that we can use to increase our marriage connections: Safety, Trust, Appreciation, Respect, Validation, Encouragement, andDedication. By adhering to each of these principles our needs as well as our partner’s needs can be met in healthy ways.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Matt Townsend?3:12 – What’s going on with marriages today?4:50 – S.T.A.R.V.E.D: Safety7:39 – T: Trust9:02 – A: Appreciation12:24 – R: Respect14:20 – V: Validation16:57 – E: Encouragement20:33 – D: Dedication23:00 – Matt’s keys for a stronger marriage connection26:08 – Matt’s resources27:40 – Matt’s takeaway: it’s not over ‘til it’s over and find the power in principles29:49 – Liz’s takeaway: you have to be vulnerable to be known and loved30:16 – Dave’s takeaway: To encourage is to truly see and understand another personAbout Matt Townsend:Over the last few decades Matt has dedicated his life to the study of communication and interpersonal relationships. Matt worked as a lead presenter for the industry leader, Franklin Covey, for many years. About 20 years ago he founded the Townsend Relationship Center where he has been able to share his expertise on relationships, communication, anxiety and conflict resolution with thousands of clients ranging from individuals, married couples and parents, to large corporations such as CNN, Cox Communications, and Lockheed Martin.Dr. Matt earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communication, a second master's degree in Human Development, and a doctoral degree (PhD) in Human Development. He is a weekly contributor to KSL TV’s show “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker”. Matt's book, Starved Stuff: The 7 Basic Needs of Healthy Relationships, is a popular pick among those searching for better relationship skills. He also has many online programs available on marriage, dealing with anxiety and parenting.Matt is active in his church and community and enjoys swimming, playing tennis and spending time with his wife, Mardi of 32 years and his 6 children, 4 in-law children and 5 grandchildren.Insights:Matt: Count the given good.Dave: Notice and be aware of the good your partner does.Liz: Barbie dolls must be as important as the little girl is in order to really make her feel that we are encouraging her.Invites:   -    Encourage your partner’s dreams and aspirations.   -    If simply feeding your marriage is still not “filling you up”, get help so you        don’t continue feeling starved.   -    While you might not be able to find poweVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

On today’s podcast of Stronger Marriage Connection, Dave and Liz talk to Dr. Cole Ratcliffe about how we often get stuck in bad behaviors in our marriage relationships. Dr. Ratcliffe explains five steps that help eliminate bad behavior and provides some tips that might help increase connection in a sustainable way. Showing our partners we love them takes time and effort, but is incredibly worth it!Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Cole Ratcliffe?2:29 – Why are annoying and bad behaviors so common?4:42 – “Helping” is not always helpful7:10 – Why we get stuck in bad behavior10:48 – Marriage is the great revealer of weaknesses14:54 – There is no justification for bad behavior17:15 – Take personal responsibility for our needs19:25 – Recognize your partner’s needs20:32 – 5 Steps to help eliminate bad behavior25:10 – Simple things to do to improve connection26:40 – How to say I love you in a personal way28:44 – Patience is the 5th step29:40 – Investment in unselfishness is the key for a stronger marriage connection31:12 – Resources from Cole Ratcliffe31:59 – Cole’s takeaway: taking time to understand gives us traction for meeting our partners emotions andneeds32:39 – Liz’s takeaway: turn around the meaning of “but” in our apologies33:11 – Dave’s takeaway: don’t react to the behavior, respond to the needAbout Cole Ratcliffe:Cole Ratcliffe was raised in Springville, Utah, and completed a bachelor’s degree at BYU. He obtained a masters and doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from Kansas State University. Currently, he teaches full-time at BYU-Idaho in Marriage and Family Studies and oversees their online program. He hastaught numerous courses in his career, such as human development, marriage, marriage prep, marriage skills, parenting, and relationship education. Dr. Ratcliffe maintains a small private clinical practice where he conducts individual, marriage, and family therapy, including discernment counseling. He has been married for 16 years to his wife Jenna and together they have 5 (almost 6) children. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, hunting, playing sports, and watching college football.Insights:Cole: Take personal responsibility for having our needs met.Dave: Don’t react to the behavior. See the unmet needs.Liz: We need to turn around the meaning of “but” in our apologies.Invites:Focus on the things you can control.Respond to the need underneath the behavior.Identify the things you need to stop doing. Apologize with the proper use of the word “but”.Find a few small and simple things to increase connection that are sustainable.Be patient with yourself and witVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

Our conversation today is with Dr. Jeremy Boden who talks about the importance realistic and hopeful expectation have in creating a stronger marriage connection. By committing to our partner and being aware of their needs, we can build our relationships in such a way that helps them last beyond the newlywed years.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction: Who is Jeremy Boden?1:56 – Why would we need relationship education when we love each other so much?4:59 – Marriage is a loss of some expectations7:00 – Biggest issues newlyweds face9:26 – Intentionality is key to avoid “drifting”11:04 – Adjust expectations15:40 – Expectations will be adjusted throughout our lives16:43 – What does commitment look like?21:55 – Over-reactions can wreck our connections23:15 – S.T.O.P. technique24:40 – Resources for newlyweds26:35 – Keys to a stronger marriage connection – Safe, Seen, and Soothed29:12 – How to prepare for and navigate the newlywed years30:38 – How to choose a marriage partner32:38 – Jeremy’s takeaway: be aware of your partner33:58 – Liz’s takeaway: there is always hope35:13 – Dave’s takeaway: exercise mindful awarenessAbout Jeremy Boden:Dr. Jeremy Boden is an associate professor of family science at Utah Valley University. He teaches courses in marriage and relationships, human sexuality, family dynamics, and couples therapy in the marriage and family therapy program. Jeremy is a licensed marriage and family therapist and maintains a small private practice inProvo, Utah where he specializes in couples and discernment counseling. He's also the owner and director of the Center for Marriage Preparation which helps couples get ready for marriage through his Before We Say I Do program. Jeremy is married to his beautiful and wonderful wife, Daria and they are the parents of four children.Insights:Jeremy: Help foster a stronger connection with your partner by helping them feel safe, seen, and soothed.Dave: Compassion is the blood of relationships.Liz: Expectations for your relationship will always need to be adjusted throughout your life.Invites:   •    For the first 5 years of your marriage, commit to reading one marriage book with              your partner per year.   •    Connect once a day and date once a week with your partner.   •    Talk with your partner about what expectations might be in your wagonJeremy Boden Links:   -    https://marriageandfamilysolutions.teachable.com/   -    https://www.symbis.com/couples/   -  Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/