You are likely aware that conflicts are going to happen, they shouldn’t be avoided, but accepted that they will happen. But how you handle the conflict determines whether it can be connecting and clarifying or it escalates and causes hurt. What really causes it to escalate is when you each are triggered and you let that trigger cause you to just react.  In this episode today you will hear how you can better recognize emotional triggers, which has to be the first step, and then how you can de-escalate before a bigger conflict arises. A key takeaway is that you need to recognize your own triggered events and reaction patterns, but as a partner, how to recognize these in your partner as well. You will then hear the 2 responsibilities you each have, followed by practical steps to de-escalate as you practice these things. This is the true work to be done in marriage, your marital satisfaction depends on your ability to recognize triggers and keep yourself from reacting in more hurtful ways.   Relationship Resources: DO NOT MISS the once per year LIVE Marriage Webclass with The Freemans. The date is set for Feb 19th, 2025. This will be a virtual, 1 hour weblcass to communicate more effectively, de-escalate conflicts, and repair from conflicts fully. The class is FREE, but will be limited to 1000 attendees live. There will be a recoding as well, but you will need to register to have it sent to you. We will see you there! Register here: https://onlinecouplesworkshops.com/   After the date passes, you will be able to find the recording and all the other guides and challenges with this link: https://www.meetthefreemans.com/links   Follow us on Instagram @meet_thefreemans  

Discover the pitfalls of reacting to conflict and the benefits of engaging in constructive debrief conversations. Learn how to identify emotional triggers and communicate effectively by using 'I statements' and clarifying questions. Understand the vital role of listening in fostering connection and avoiding misunderstandings. Just like a sports huddle, these discussions enhance teamwork and deepen your bond. Mastering these strategies can transform emotional challenges into opportunities for growth in your relationship.

Most everyone gets into a marriage for the positive feelings of love, compatibility, passion, and creating a future together. It’s these great feelings and potential outcomes that can happen that make marriage a desirable thing. What most people miss is what it requires to be married and maintain the feelings of togetherness and high satisfaction through all the unforeseen challenges and obstacles. It is funny how we all think our relationship will be different from all those who went before us… but the fact is you need to be ready to evolve in ways you can’t see right now. In this solo episode you will hear from Aaron as he walks through 3 areas of evolution that you need to accept and be ready for if you want to be successful in marriage. Continuing a thread from the previous episode about the acronym COMMITTED, you will dive further into the area of Evolution and Adaptation and these three areas you need to be willing to adapt in, first as an individual, and then as a couple, to have your marriage stand the test of time!    Relationship Resources: 1) This is the last week to participate in the Best of Us 30-Day Couples Challenge. Over 3000 couples have started the challenge to start this new year, many of which felt a real shift even after the first 5 days. This challenge is for JANUARY ONLY, but you can register now and start on Day #1 immediately while getting the 30 consecutive challenge activities right to your inbox.  2) After this challenge window closes, take a look at the next available challenges of Prioritize Us or Rebuilding Us.

Explore the art of uplifting each other in marriage as the new year approaches. Discover six transformative actions to foster acceptance, understanding, and support for one another. Learn how daily engagement and emotional regulation can enhance communication, ensuring positivity in interactions. Delve into the importance of creating a joyful environment through appreciation and genuine interest. This journey emphasizes teamwork and intimacy, laying the groundwork for individual and relational evolution.

The end of a year is a time to reflect. For our purposes here, it’s a time to reflect on your marriage challenges and identify what you need to alter for the next year, or where you can celebrate the wins that you took from those challenges. Why this is so critical comes down to one of the fundamental aspects of successful marriage… the ability to adapt and evolve!  In this episode we will share our own challenges and wins from 2024 and then intentions and commitments we have going into 2025 in terms of our marriage getting better and better. We hope you can take away the principles and lessons learned from our own challenges and keep yourselves from experiencing the same challenges as we did! THEN, Sign-up for the SPECIAL EDITION 30-day couples challenge “The Best of Us” which starts January 1st (and will be closed the rest of the year!) This challenge is designed to reignite the spark in your marriage with Intimacy Activities, Connection Prompts, and Appreciation Gestures.

No one gets married to feel like roommates, so let’s talk about being romantic partners. In this episode, we’re diving into how to reignite the spark, stay emotionally connected, and make intimacy a priority—even in the midst of busy schedules, kids, and daily responsibilities. By listening you'll hear practical ways to overcome complacency, keep the romance alive, and create moments of connection that strengthen your bond. Whether it’s through small gestures or intentional conversations, you’ll leave with actionable tips to feel closer and more in love with your partner this year. Don’t miss this conversation—it’s one every couple needs to hear!   Relationship Resources: Sign-up for the SPECIAL EDITION 30-day couples challenge “The Best of Us” which starts January 1st (and will be closed the rest of the year!) This challenge is designed to reignite the spark in your marriage with Intimacy Activities, Connection Prompts, and Appreciation Gestures.

Marriage is an evolving journey requiring both partners to grow over time. The acronym COMMITTED lays out nine key practices for becoming a better partner. Trustworthy dependability and keeping promises are essential for building trust. Emotional awareness helps couples navigate their differences and fosters intimacy. Engaging in intentional actions can nurture relationships, while a new January challenge invites couples to spark excitement and connection as they set shared goals for the year ahead.

Explore the journey from a structured marriage to one filled with emotional depth and connection. The hosts highlight the importance of appreciation and intimacy, offering tools like an at-home date night guide. Discover how to recognize dysfunction and make a shift towards healthier partnerships. Clear agreements foster peace and trust, while intentional communication builds emotional environments. As the new year approaches, reflect on your relationship dynamics and embrace challenges designed to deepen your bond.

Small moments can snowball into major conflicts, especially during stressful times like the holidays. Understanding the subconscious drives behind our reactions is crucial. The discussion offers three practical steps to manage these 'blip moments' effectively. Emphasis is placed on self-reflection and responsible communication to foster a healthier relationship. Techniques such as breathwork and mindful communication are introduced to help couples navigate their emotional landscape and maintain harmony.

Yes we have a secure relationship and marriage now. But we certainly had to overcome our initial anxious and avoidant tendencies early on. Even now, those tendencies can still show up; we have just done the work to handle situations, emotions, and conflicts in healthy and secure ways to stay on the same team.  In this episode you will hear us tell our relationship story as the background for how you can overcome any of your own insecure attachment patterns. You will hear the quick reminder of: the 4 attachment styles,  the 5 core pillars within each style, and then the things we did in our own life to be in the secure place we are now, and no matter what life events happen to us.  In telling our story you will take away many great steps you can take to further cement yourselves a secure foundation to add to your connection, closeness, and trust in your marriage.   Relationship Resources mentioned in the episode: Get The Family Meeting Guide - either on its own here, or as a bonus for starting the Prioritize Us Challenge that starts Dec 1st.  If you listened all the way to the end, take the action we mentioned while using the word "special". Be sure you listen all the way through for the special offer of the 3 guides together!