Description:

One partner travels. The other holds down the fort. Then the suitcase rolls back in and suddenly, everything feels off.

In this episode, Chris and Annie dive into the real-life tension couples face during the often-overlooked “re-entry” phase after solo parenting. Whether you’re the one coming home or the one who’s been home, there’s a disconnect that can sneak in fast and create frustration, resentment, and miscommunication if you don’t handle it intentionally.

Let’s talk about the unspoken expectations, the invisible scorecards, and how to reconnect without blowing up.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why the re-entry moment is harder than most couples expect

• What both the solo parent and the returning partner really feel

• Common mistakes that spark conflict and how to avoid them

• 3 simple rituals that help couples reset fast

• A few hilarious “what not to say” lines (from real life, of course)

Real Talk Moments:

• “I didn’t miss him like I thought I would…” and why that’s okay

• The post-trip tension of one partner needing rest while the other needs relief

• How the invisible scorecard (“who did more?”) shows up subtly

• That one time, the suitcase sat in the hallway for days

Tools & Tips:

• The Re-Entry Chat — a 5-minute pulse check before jumping back into family life

• Decompression Zones — 15 minutes for each partner to reset after time apart

• Reconnect Rituals — walk together, share coffee, or catch up with zero kid interruptions

• Mini Segment: “What Not to Say…” — guaranteed conflict-starters and how to rephrase them

 Listener Challenge:

Try one re-entry ritual this week, even if it’s just a short walk and a “what do you need right now?” question. Watch how fast it shifts the vibe.

 Got a funny or disastrous re-entry story?

DM us on Instagram @FitCoupleMethod,  we might feature it in a future episode!

 Like what you heard?

Share this with a couple who knows the solo-parent grind and leave us a review to keep the conversation going.