This episode centers on one big listener question: Did I romanticize my husband — and overlook red flags while dating?

A newly married listener from South Africa writes in just three months after the wedding, struggling with harsh words during conflict, old wounds resurfacing, and the fear that she may have confused spiritual compatibility with true emotional safety.

We unpack what “gentleness” should look like in marriage, how triggers differ from cruelty, and why sober-minded dating matters more than shared ministry or chemistry.

And… BIG NEWS: Yvette is officially an author! We talk through her new devotional Release • Rest • Remain, the John 15 rhythm that helped her rebuild her spiritual foundation, and why preorders matter for first-time authors.

✨ What You’ll Hear

• Chocolate Baby Storytime: evil drawings, angel drawings, and toddler chaos

• Uzi’s 6-goal hockey game & homeschool updates

• The story behind Release • Rest • Remain and how the devotional was born

• Listener Email: Did I romanticize this relationship?

• Emotional triggers vs. emotional harm in early marriage

• The importance of gentleness, safety, and sober-minded dating

• How upbringing and humor styles shape conflict

• Patreon preview: the viral “flat tire” clip & weaponized tears

• “How Married Are You?” moments

📚 Resources & Links Order Yvette’s Devotional: 👉 Release, Rest, Remain: A 30-Day Devotional to Embrace Abiding Over Striving https://a.co/d/4ATlBWO

Glen’s Book — Father Yourself First: 👉 https://www.amazon.com/Father-Yourself-First-Everything-Deserves/dp/1400252555

🎧 Audiobooks Available wherever audiobooks are sold.

📍 Follow @beleafmel https://www.instagram.com/beleafmel

💍 Premarital Advantage (PMA) https://howmarriedareyoupodcast.mykajabi.com/offers/VAbsx8N2

🌿 Patreon Community www.patreon.com/HMAY 💬

Join the Conversation Have you ever looked back and realized you romanticized a relationship? How did you regain clarity or rebuild trust? Share below.