Some relationship experts say that couples don’t grow apart. Instead, they stop growing together. Today, we share three practical ways you and your spouse can embrace a growth mindset and continue growing together. A couple of them may surprise you.

3 WAYS TO HAVE A GROWTH MINDSET

1. Allow your spouse to live outside the box
2. Get to know your spouse … continually
3. Keep “under the rug” clean

TAKE THE “US TIME” CHALLENGE

Grow together this week with online date night questions or Jon Gottman’s love map exercises.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Did you enjoy this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/team-us/id1565819107)

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• “Couple Don’t Simply Grow Apart, They Fail to Grow Together” by Dr. Ryan Rasner at Prairie Wife in Heels (https://prairiewifeinheels.com/couples-dont-simply-grow-apart-they-fail-to-grow-together/)
• The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages by Shaunti Feldhahn (https://amzn.to/4i4s0O6)
• The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman Ph.D. and Nan Silver (https://amzn.to/4jk0U6E)
• Save Your marriage Before It Starts by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott (https://a.co/d/eJGAhi1)
• “Don’t Bury Your Relational Issues” by Ashleigh Slater at Boundless.org (https://www.boundless.org/relationships/dont-bury-your-relational-issues/)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you and your spouse laugh together? Today, we talk about how shared humor and laughter can benefit your relationship.

3 WAYS SHARED HUMOR STRENGTHENS MARRIAGE

1. Builds intimacy
2. Helps defuse conflict and restore connection
3. Makes the hard times more manageable

TAKE THE “US TIME” CHALLENGE

Do something to feed your shared sense of humor. As one writer we quote in this episode recommends, “Collect experiences, look for the places where comedy shows up. Look for the ridiculous, the surprising, the awkward.”

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Did you enjoy this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/team-us/id1565819107)

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• “How did April Fool’s Day start and what are some famous pranks?” by Aliza Chasan at CBS News (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-did-april-fools-day-start/)
• Spaghetti Harvest clip at BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0074rd6)
• “Humor in Marriage” by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott at Focus on the Family (https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/humor-in-marriage/)
• “R is for Repair” by Zach Brittle at the Gottman Institute (https://www.gottman.com/blog/r-is-for-repair/)
• “Why Laughter Is Good for Your Marriage” by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott at Focus on the Family (https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/why-laughter-is-good-for-your-marriage/)
• Ted’s master’s thesis on laughter (https://heavenlaughs.com/)
• The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman, Ph.D. and Nan Silver (https://amzn.to/4j0Dind)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sometimes we sit back and wonder how we made it through our weeping years. But here we are, still married, still friends, and still liking each other. It wasn’t easy to remain united when miscarriage, multiple job losses, debt, and a house that wouldn’t sell desperately fought to pull us apart. While an attitude of “us vs. the problem” helped, we realized we couldn’t stop with the idea of us against the world. We needed more.

Today, we’re discussing how to walk together through the really hard situations, seasons, and losses that we experience as couples and how to remain a strong team during them. So, listen in as we share three practical things you can do to better brave sorrow together in your marriage.

While Ted and Ashleigh are taking a break, we're thrilled to bring back this popular episode from the archives! 

 4 Ways to Brave Sorrow Together:

1. Refuse to play the blame game
2. Face defeat together
3. Allow freedom to grief differently from each other
4. Point each other back to God’s character

***
Us Time Challenge:
Make a list of the ways God has been faithful to you as a couple. Tape it to your fridge or bathroom mirror as a reminder of His goodness even in difficulty.

***
Team Us Resources:
Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage
FREE Team Us Study Guide

Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Braving Sorrow Together: The Transformative Power of Faith and Community When Life Is Hard

***
Connect with Ted and Ashleigh:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Episode Image Credit: Getty/Rudzhan Nagiev

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How often do you intentionally stop to praise your spouse? To recognize and affirm their character or actions? Many of us probably cringe at answering these questions because we know we could do better!

If you struggle to feed your spouse praise regularly, this episode is for you. Listen in as we share some practical steps we all can take to criticize less and affirm and build up our spouse more.

While Ted and Ashleigh are taking a break, we're thrilled to bring back this popular episode from the archives! 

TAKE THE "US TIME" CHALLENGE

Make it your goal to praise your spouse more this week!

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Did you enjoy this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/team-us/id1565819107)

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/) 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if every time you go out on a date with your spouse, all you talk about is work, bills, schedules, and — if you have them — kids? As vitally important as those things are to discuss, we chat about how you can have a date-night conversation that’s NOT about work, bills, schedules, or kids. Listen in as we share four steps you can put into practice.

While Ted and Ashleigh are taking a break, we're thrilled to bring back this popular episode from the archives!

Take the "Us Time" Challenge 

Go on a date night and practice these steps. Make sure you and your spouse each pick out a conversation starter or two that you want to ask the other.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• “15 Things Happy Couples Talk About That Draw Them Together” from LifeHack.com (https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/15-things-happy-couples-talk-about-that-draw-them-closer-together.html)
• Karen Ehman’s free printable, “Getting to Know You Again Date Night Questions” (https://karenehman.com/freebies/) 

Team Us Resources

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

Connect with Ted and Ashleigh

• Website (https://ashleighslater.com/)
• Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ashleighslater_author/)
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ashleighslaterauthor) 

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

While Ted and Ashleigh are taking a break, we're thrilled to bring back this popular episode from the archives! From its inconceivable R.O.U.Ses to its iconic lines, the 1987 film The Princess Bride is a favorite at our house. For us, one of the most memorable characters is Inigo Montoya. His patience and persistence as he hunts for the six-fingered man remind us that it takes time to execute a “death wish.” But what does a “death wish” have to do with marriage?

While we joined a new team when we promised, “I do,” that doesn’t mean the unity and cooperation we talked about in episode 1 are going to be easy or automatic. It takes time after we get married to make that transition from “me” to “us.”

One reason is that all of us come to marriage with ingrained habits. These are the things that steal joy from our relationship, keep us from walking in unity and practicing cooperation, and can even weaken our resolve to stay committed. Listen in as we share three practical ways you can practice patience for the old as you and your spouse work together toward the new.

3 Ways to Practice Patience, Persistence, and Grace:

1. Pick your battles (recognize the difference between our spouse sinning and our spouse just annoying us).
2. Make a Communication Sandwich
3. Focus on progress, not perfection

Us Time Challenge:
Take some time to make a list of a few ways you’ve noticed that the other has made progress in an area. Figure out a fun and creative way to affirm each other for their growth.

Team Us Resources:
Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage
FREE Team Us Study Guide

Links Mentioned in This Episode:
The Princess Bride

Connect with Ted and Ashleigh:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you and your spouse struggle to pray together daily, listen in as we share easy three steps you can take to start.

3 EASY STEPS TO PRAY TOGETHER

1. Schedule Prayer Time Together
2. Follow Established Prayer Patterns
3. Keep Each Other Accountable

TAKE THE "US TIME" CHALLENGE

Give these steps a try this week and see if they help you and your spouse pray together more consistently.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Did you enjoy this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/team-us/id1565819107)

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• "The Power of Praying Together in Marriage" by Stormie Omartian (https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/when-two-pray/)
• "What Research Says About Couples Who Pray Together" by Glenn T. Stanton (https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/what-research-says-about-couples-who-pray-together/)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you and your spouse pray together consistently? Listen in as we share three ways praying together as a couple benefits your marriage.

3 BENEFITS TO PRAYING TOGETHER

1. Fosters greater unity
2. Builds trust and intimacy
3. Deepens communication

TAKE THE “US TIME” CHALLENGE

Brainstorm with your spouse some additional ways praying together consistently will benefit your marriage.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Did you enjoy this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/team-us/id1565819107)

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• “The Power of Praying Together in Marriage” by Stormie Omartian (https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/when-two-pray/)
• “8 Benefits of Praying with Your Spouse” by Mark Merrill (https://www.markmerrill.com/8-benefits-of-praying-together-with-your-spouse/)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As couples, we aren’t bidding millions on artwork, movie props, or sports memorabilia. But we do regularly make emotional bids in marriage. Bids are invitations from and to our spouse for connection. Today, we talk about bids and how we can respond to them.

WAYS TO TURN TOWARD YOUR SPOUSE

1. Pay attention.
2. Practice active listening, validate feelings, and show interest
3. Prioritize Responding

TAKE THE “US TIME” CHALLENGE

Pay attention to your spouse’s bids for connection this week. Make it a priority to turn toward them.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Did you enjoy this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/team-us/id1565819107)

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• Greg and Erin Smalley’s definition of bids (https://www.instagram.com/p/DFV6iOfuHg-/?img_index=1)
• “Want to Improve Your Relationship? Start Paying More Attention to Bids” by Logan Ury at Gottman Institute (https://www.gottman.com/blog/want-to-improve-your-relationship-start-paying-more-attention-to-bids/)
• “Turn Towards Instead of Away” by Zach Brittle at Gottman Institute (https://www.gottman.com/blog/turn-toward-instead-of-away/)
• Gottman’s List of Minor Bids for Emotional Connection at Gottman Institute
• (https://www.gottman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/List-of-bids-Graphic.png)
• “How to Recognize Your Partner’s ‘Bids for Connection’ and Maybe Save Your Relationship” by Brianne Hogan at LifeHack.com (https://lifehacker.com/how-to-recognize-your-partners-bids-for-connection-and-1848740174)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Valentine's Day is often viewed and marketed as a holiday of grand gestures. But it doesn't have to be. Listen in as we share four steps to help you have a no-pressure Valentine's Day this year.

TAKE THE “US TIME” CHALLENGE

Discuss your expectations for Valentine's Day and develop a shared plan.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

Did you enjoy this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/team-us/id1565819107)

TEAM US RESOURCES

• Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
• FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• “10 Facts About Saint Valentine” by Leonie Chao-Fong at HistoryHit.com (https://www.historyhit.com/facts-about-saint-valentine/)
• “Marriage Monday: Wives, Have Realistic Expectations And Share Them With Your Husband” by Shaunti Feldhahn (https://shaunti.com/2014/09/marriage-monday-shaunti-feldhahn-understand-processes-emotions-2/)

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.