Claim OwnershipMarriage and Intimacy Tips for Christian Couples: Secrets of Happily Ever After
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© 2025 Marriage and Intimacy Tips for Christian Couples: Secrets of Happily Ever After
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Have you ever wondered what makes the difference between those couples who absolutely LOVE to be together and the ones who merely tolorate each other in their old age? I always want to run up to the cute old couples who still hold hands while walking down the street and ask them all their secrets to relationship success. This podcast gives me the opportunity to do just that!
I'm Monica Tanner, wife to a super hunky man, mom to 4 kids, weekly podcaster and relationship and intimacy expert/enthusiast. I help couples ditch the resentment and roommate syndrome and increase communication, connection and commitment, so they can write and live out their happily ever after love story. If that sounds like something you want, this podcast is absolutely for YOU!
Each week, I'm teasing out the principles that keep couples hopelessly devoted and intoxicatingly in love with each other for a lifetime and beyond. I'm searching high and low for the secrets of happily ever after and sharing those secrets with you right here. Sound marriage advice for Christian couples who want to live happily ever after and achieve a truly intimate friendship and passionate partnership, because an awesome marriage makes life so much sweeter. Let's get to it!
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What if the fastest way to a stronger marriage isn’t compromise, but better teamwork? After celebrating a number-one Amazon launch, I took a hard look at what actually helped us get there—clear roles, honest communication, and a shared commitment to play the same game on the same side. The result is a practical, story-rich guide to treating marriage like the ultimate team sport, with four moves you can use tonight. I start by reframing “opposites” as assets: the planner and the risk-taker, t...
Today's interview is with my oldest son, Jake and his new wife, Livvy to chat about the new book I wrote for them and unpack five of the most common myths that sabotage new marriages and trade them for simple habits that build trust, respect and joy. Thinks we talk about in the episode are: • faith first, spouse second as good advice from Livvy's Dad • seeing parents model affection, repair and service • differentiation over “you complete me” • mind reading myths versus clear, simple request...
Bad sexual advice is one of the top reasons couples struggle early in marriage, often because most grow up with distorted expectations about what a healthy sex life looks like. • Sex advice is usually messed up because the topic is taboo in most families • Most couples start marriage with distorted expectations about their sex life • "A Good Wife Keeps Her Husband Satisfied" creates an unhealthy obligation dynamic • Healthy sex is mutual with both partners free to say yes or no • The myth th...
A marriage advice detox can transform your relationship by eliminating harmful myths and replacing them with practical communication skills. Bad marriage advice like "never go to bed angry" or "happy wife, happy life" often sounds good but leads to frustration and resentment when applied to real relationships. • Identify the marriage beliefs and advice you've been operating under • Challenge unhelpful advice by asking if it's actually serving your relationship • Replace false beliefs with co...
Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife explores how moving beyond validation-seeking creates deeper, more authentic intimate connections in marriage, explaining that true intimacy requires embracing differences rather than demanding constant agreement. • Distinguishing between validation and true intimacy in relationships • Understanding the three unhealthy relationship patterns: pressuring our partner, yielding to avoid conflict, or creating parallel lives • Recognizing that we marry people for their ...
Conflict and differences in marriage don't mean you married the wrong person; they simply mean you're two human beings from different backgrounds working together to build a life. Statistics show "incompatibility" is the leading cause of divorce, but what couples often interpret as irreconcilable differences are actually normal variations in perspective. • Differences between spouses are normal and healthy, not red flags • The idea that real love should feel effortless is a damaging myth • C...
Marriage advice is everywhere, but much of it is outdated, misguided, or flat-out harmful to your relationship, no matter how well-intentioned it may be. • Happy couples don't fight - FALSE: Conflict is like exercise for your relationship and helps you grow stronger • The myth of "don't sweat the small stuff" can lead to an explosion after years of suppressing irritation • Compromise is outdated advice that leaves both partners with less than they want • Collaboration creates solutions that ...
Traditional marriage advice often sounds wise but can secretly damage relationships when applied to modern marriages. In this episode, we examine five common marriage myths that might be undermining your relationship and explore healthier alternatives. • The dangers of "never go to bed angry" and how it leads to sleep deprivation and worsened arguments • Why "happy wife, happy life" creates an impossible burden on one spouse and ignores both partners' needs • How "find someone who completes ...
Relational Reckoning is a powerful tool that helps couples take inventory of their relationship, identify resentment, and make informed decisions about whether to stay together or part ways. • Using coaching or therapy as a "misery stabilizer" indicates deeper relationship issues that need addressing • Relational Reckoning answers the question: "Is there enough good in this relationship to mourn what I'm not getting?" • Create two columns - "Good" and "Needs/Missing" - to visualize your rela...
Trevor Hanson shares powerful insights about how couples unknowingly trigger wounded parts in each other and explains how healing these attachment wounds transforms relationships. Through understanding negative cycles and inner child work, we discover how one person can significantly change relationship dynamics by healing their own insecurities. • Couples get trapped in negative cycles when they trigger each other's core insecurities • The "right" partner will hurt you in ways that allow yo...
Teaching kids about healthy sexuality requires a thoughtful approach that prepares them for marriage, much like teaching them to drive requires instruction before handing over the keys. • The DRIVE framework provides a comprehensive approach to sex education within families • D for Dialogue: Keep conversations open, ongoing, and age-appropriate • R for Respect: Teach children to view their bodies and sexuality as sacred • I for Instruction: Provide education that matches developmental stages...
Hanna Kok shares her expertise on the surprising link between forgiveness and physical health, revealing why holding onto grudges causes hormonal imbalances and weakens the immune system. We explore the scientific evidence behind this connection and discuss a practical method for making forgiveness easier. • When we hold grudges, our muscles tighten, restricting blood flow and nutrient delivery throughout the body • Brain function decreases dramatically during conflict—the prefrontal cortex ...
You deserve a fulfilling sex life without settling or compromising. The FIRE method provides a framework for creating a deeply connected and satisfying intimate relationship that works for both partners. • Higher desire partners often feel they must settle in their marriages, leading to resentment and diminished intimacy • Emotional connection alone doesn't guarantee a satisfying sex life – sexual dynamics require specific attention • F – Face your beliefs about sex that were planted in your...
True intimacy requires the freedom to be ourselves in marriage. We explore what it means to create space where both partners feel safe, seen, respected, and supported throughout all seasons of life together. • Creating emotional freedom by feeling safe to make mistakes, have opinions, and share feelings without judgment • Physical freedom in maintaining personal friendships, self-care, and autonomy within partnership • Sexual freedom to communicate desires, boundaries, and curiosities withou...
We often avoid difficult conversations, but addressing conflicts directly leads to stronger relationships rather than allowing resentment to build and potentially emerge "sideways." Understanding that all relationships cycle through harmony, disharmony, and repair helps us recognize conflicts as opportunities for growth. • Lead with curiosity, not accusation: examine your triggers, consider others' intentions, and share your experience without blame • Say what you mean without being mean: de...
Money conversations don't have to lead to arguments—they can actually strengthen relationships when approached with the right communication tools and mindset. We explore three essential skills for talking about finances with your spouse that build connection instead of conflict. • Understanding each other's money personalities and formative experiences around finances • Learning to express your needs without blame or judgment • Scheduling regular, low-pressure "money huddles" to stay on the ...
I tackle the challenging reality of what to do when one partner wants to work on the relationship while the other resists, providing a clear three-step approach based on my experience with couples in this situation. • Despite what some experts claim, you cannot completely transform your marriage alone—both partners must participate • The first step is to directly invite your partner to therapy or coaching, being persistent but understanding about their concerns • Step two involves creating "...
After an incredibly busy May filled with family celebrations including our 23rd wedding anniversary, my son's wedding, my daughter's high school graduation, and a week-long houseboat trip to Lake Powell, I'm reflecting on valuable relationship lessons that emerged during this special time. • Shared a powerful relationship skill called the "I notice" technique that creates open communication without triggering defensiveness • Explained how to properly use this approach by describing only what...
Dr. Nicole Villegas, occupational therapist and founder of the Sensory Conscious Institute, explores how understanding nervous systems and sensory patterns helps build relationships rooted in safety, connection, and clarity. • Beyond the five senses: interoception (internal feelings), vestibular (movement through space), and proprioception (body position awareness) • Creating collaborative solutions versus compromises for different sensory preferences • Using the Three C's: curiosity, compas...
When life gets chaotic, maintaining your sanity and your marriage requires intentional practices and clear communication. This episode shares my five-step approach to handling busy seasons with grace while keeping my relationship strong and cooperative. • Start each day with focused prayer to identify what truly matters that day • Ask for help confidently, remembering that it allows others the opportunity to serve • Let your spouse know exactly how they can support you during busy times • Ma...
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