Vacation Planning Tips for Couples: How to Have a Great Trip With Your SpouseJoin me as I share practical vacation planning tips to help couples enjoy a successful getaway and avoid the stress that can create conflict in marriage. I emphasize planning logistics and details together, talking through what each spouse wants, and preventing predictable frustrations by making reservations, researching directions, and buying tickets in advance. I encourage setting realistic expectations, keeping the trip light and fun instead of trying to solve major relationship issues, and addressing deeper problems after returning home, including using my free couples communication guide. I also discuss talking about money ahead of time, budgeting and saving to avoid penny-pinching, viewing the trip as an investment in your spouse, and building in rest and downtime. I close by encouraging prayer, gratitude, and booking a free strategy call if help is needed.00:00 Vacation Fail Setup00:47 Plan to Succeed01:19 Align Expectations Together02:45 Prevent Predictable Stress04:02 Keep It Light05:58 Budget Without Tension08:29 Rest and Reconnect09:30 Pray and Get Support10:25 Final BlessingHere's the link to download my free couples communication guide: https://www.turnitup.coach/communicationguideI'm also offering a free 30-minute strategy call for personalized help. Schedule your free Strategy call today at by calling or texting 626-804-1731or go to https://tidycal.com/kdupee1/30-minute-strategy-callHere's the link to get your free copy of my book, Turn it Up - how to have the lifelong marriage that you really want: https://turnitup.coach/75

7 Habits Husbands Wish Their Wives Had In this video I share what I’ve learned from 1,000+ hours of coaching conversations with couples (plus 38 years of marriage) about the habits many husbands quietly wish their wives would develop—without guilt, condemnation, or turning it into a weapon. I explain why small, consistent habits shape the atmosphere and security of a marriage, then walk through seven practical habits with Scripture: extend grace and forgiveness without keeping score, let your husband help and carry burdens, initiate intimacy or suggest an alternative time, affirm/honor/appreciate him and be his friend, communicate clearly instead of expecting mind-reading (and avoid controlling), give him space to recharge without guilt, and choose trust unless there’s a real reason not to. I also invite couples to a free 30-minute strategy call and offer a communication guide.00:00 habits husbands wished04:46 Habit #1: Grace & Forgiveness07:17 Habit #2: Let Me Help You09:40 Habit #3: Initiate Intimacy12:10 Habit #4: Affirm & Appreciate Him13:55 Habit #5: Tell Me What You Want16:58 Habit #6: Give Him Space to Recharge19:12 Habit #7: Trust MeHere's the link to download my free couples communication guide: https://www.turnitup.coach/communicationguideI'm also offering a free 30-minute strategy call for personalized help. Schedule your free Strategy call today at by calling or texting 626-804-1731or go to https://tidycal.com/kdupee1/30-minute-strategy-callHere's the link to get your free copy of my book, Turn it Up - how to have the lifelong marriage that you really want: https://turnitup.coach/75Here's the link to my video on 7 Habits Wives Wished their Husbands Had: https://youtu.be/ZCEd3ckaXh8and the 5 R's of an Effective Apology: https://youtu.be/kKUgGgV2M9c

7 Habits Wives Wish Their Husbands Had Christian marriage coach Kelly DuPée shares seven practical habits he says wives most often wish their husbands practiced, drawn from over 1,000 hours of coaching and 38 years of marriage, emphasizing this is not about guilt but growth. The habits are: care about your wife by truly listening and supporting her; don’t get defensive when she raises concerns and offer a real apology using his “five R” method; always tell the truth to protect trust; make her feel special by prioritizing her with thoughtful attention; do what you say you’ll do to build reliability; strengthen connection by asking about closeness, planning time together, and speaking her love language; and be her partner through emotional openness, shared problem-solving, and spiritual growth. He encourages husbands to self-evaluate, ask their wives for feedback, start with one habit, and offers a free 30-minute strategy call and a free communication guide.00:00 What Wives Wish You Knew00:54 What You'll Learn Today01:20 Meet Your Coach01:57 Free Resources And Calls02:40 No Guilt Just Growth03:52 Habit 1 Care About Her05:34 Habit 2 Drop Defensiveness07:37 Habit 3 Tell The Truth08:36 Habit 4 Make Her Special09:51 Habit 5 Keep Your Word11:01 Habit 6 Build Connection12:55 Habit 7 Be True Partners14:31 Put One Habit Into Action15:31 Get Help And Next StepsHere's the link to download my free couples communication guide: https://www.turnitup.coach/communicationguideI'm also offering a free 30-minute strategy call for personalized help. Schedule your free Strategy call today at by calling or texting 626-804-1731or go to https://tidycal.com/kdupee1/30-minute-strategy-callHere's the link to get your free copy of my book, Turn it Up - how to have the lifelong marriage that you really want: https://turnitup.coach/75Here's the link to my video on the Five R's of an Apology - https://youtu.be/kKUgGgV2M9cHere's the link to my video on How to Make your Wife Feel Special- https://youtu.be/H7rg83yCt8U

7 Steps to Set Boundaries That Actually Work (Christian Marriage Help)In this episode, I explain how to move from simply saying no to setting clear, Godly boundaries in marriage when a spouse ignores your “no” and disrespect, pressure, or irresponsibility keep creating resentment. I share a progression I teach—suggestion, wish, request, then boundary—and clarify that a request depends on your partner’s behavior while a boundary depends on your behavior, including a consequence that stops enabling. Using biblical principles of grace and truth, I walk through seven practical steps: identify the specific behavior, consider your leverage (often distance for protection), write an I-statement and if-then script, get input from a trusted friend or coach, rehearse, share the boundary calmly and clearly, and follow through consistently. 00:00 When No Gets Ignored00:28 Series Setup and Resources01:36 Why Boundaries Matter02:11 Requests vs Boundaries03:03 Stop Enabling Consequences04:04 Grace and Truth Framework05:08 Step 1 Define Behavior05:35 Step 2 Find Leverage06:23 Step 3 Write Script07:05 Steps 4-5 Get Input Practice08:19 Steps 6-7 Share Follow Through09:25 Boundaries Heal Connection09:47 Coaching Invite and WrapHere's the link to download my free couples communication guide: https://www.turnitup.coach/communicationguideI'm also offering a free 30-minute strategy call for personalized help. Schedule your free Strategy call today at by calling or texting 626-804-1731or go to https://tidycal.com/kdupee1/30-minute-strategy-callHere's the link to get your free copy of my book, Turn it Up - how to have the lifelong marriage that you really want: https://turnitup.coach/75Here's the link to my videos on Saying No: Make it okay to say no - https://youtu.be/l08-Jo8UjoASaying no with kindness - https://youtu.be/65I2YmSk86cHow to hear "No" - https://youtu.be/alS20C5DjugWhy it's so hard to say no - https://youtu.be/Vl_DbMNWzxoSaying No Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVwkz_tHswcg7Dc5FP4LOI0OmqgkCXm-

Why Saying No in Marriage Feels So Hard (and How to Rebuild a Kind No Without Guilt)In this episode of my “No Series,” I explain why saying no in marriage can feel unsafe and how to retrain yourself to say no with clarity, kindness, and confidence. I cover common emotional barriers—guilt from past manipulation, fear of conflict, fear of consequences like withdrawal or sarcasm, feeling overly responsible for a spouse’s emotions, shame and low self-worth, and trauma-driven panic responses where the amygdala overrides rational thinking and leads to “fawn” people-pleasing. I share practical steps to rebuild your “no muscle,” including naming what’s driving you, buying time with “Let me think about it and I’ll get back to you,” practicing no in low-stakes situations, adding warmth, offering win-win counteroffers, expecting discomfort, and seeking help from God and wise counsel. 00:00 Why No Feels Risky00:33 About Kelly and Free Resources01:05 No Series and Missing Piece02:03 Why No Feels Unsafe02:18 Barrier One Guilt03:37 Barrier Two Conflict Fear04:14 More Barriers and Brain Wiring06:35 No Is a Muscle07:30 Step One Name the Driver08:34 Step Two Buy Time10:28 Step Three Practice No12:10 Step Four Add Warmth13:12 Counteroffers and Win Win14:51 Expect Discomfort and Grow16:31 Ask God and Get Help17:49 Final Challenge and Wrap UpHere's the link to download my free couples communication guide: https://www.turnitup.coach/communicationguideI'm also offering a free 30-minute strategy call for personalized help. Schedule your free Strategy call today at by calling or texting 626-804-1731or go to https://tidycal.com/kdupee1/30-minute-strategy-callHere's the link to get your free copy of my book, Turn it Up - how to have the lifelong marriage that you really want: https://turnitup.coach/75Here's the link to my videos on Saying No:- Make it Ok to say No in your marriage: https://youtu.be/l08-Jo8UjoA- How to Say No: https://youtu.be/65I2YmSk86c- How to Hear No: https://youtu.be/alS20C5DjugHere's the link to the Saying No playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVwkz_tHswcg7Dc5FP4LOI0OmqgkCXm-

Hearing No in Marriage: How to Respond with Strength, Love, and RespectI talk about why many marriages don’t break down because of a “no,” but because of what happens in the next 60 seconds—disappointment, anger, and pressure turning into conflict. As part of my series on incorporating no into your relationship, I share a biblical foundation (Ephesians 5:33, Matthew 5:37, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Amos 3:3) and practical tools for hearing no in marriage: don’t debate the no, don’t punish honesty, regulate disappointment like an adult, ask clarifying questions without pressure, address repeated patterns at the right time using I-statements, and ask permission to revisit the issue to pursue a win-win. I also encourage prayer and support, including a free 30-minute strategy call and other resources at https://turnitup.coach. 00:00 When No Sparks Conflict01:07 Series Overview and Who I Am01:59 Biblical Foundation for No03:48 Why No Builds Trust05:15 Tool 1 Stop Debating06:38 Tool 2 Don't Punish Honesty07:16 Tool 3 Regulate Disappointment09:00 Tool 4 Clarify Without Pressure10:20 Tool 5 Address Patterns Later12:04 Tool 6 Ask to Revisit13:33 Get Help and Coaching17:57 Final Encouragement and Next StepsHere's the link to download my free couples communication guide: https://www.turnitup.coach/communicationguideI'm also offering a free 30-minute strategy call for personalized help. Schedule your free Strategy call today at by calling or texting 626-804-1731or go to https://tidycal.com/kdupee1/30-minute-strategy-callHere's the link to get your free copy of my book, Turn it Up - how to have the lifelong marriage that you really want: https://turnitup.coach/75Here's the link to my video on Making it Ok to say No: https://youtu.be/l08-Jo8UjoAHow to say No: https://youtu.be/65I2YmSk86cSaying No Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVwkz_tHswcg7Dc5FP4LOI0OmqgkCXm-

Say No Better to your Spouse. How to Set Boundaries with Clarity & Kindness (Without Starting a Fight)In this episode, I teach how saying no in marriage can be safe, clear, and kind—so you can protect your peace without damaging connection. I explain that no is not rejection but information, and that honest boundaries support unity and trust. Using biblical guidance (Matthew 5:37, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Genesis 2:24, Amos 3:3, Philippians), I share five practical steps: buy time before answering, evaluate what the request will cost and what it means, say no clearly (no hints or “maybe”), add warmth through tone and body language, and make a counter offer when possible. I also warn against vague maybes, harsh shutdowns, reluctant yeses, and spiritual guilt trips, and I give real-life scripts for common situations like events, help, intimacy, and budgeting.00:00 Why Saying No Matters02:36 Biblical Boundaries Basics03:51 Build the No Muscle04:54 Step 1 Buy Time06:08 Step 2 Count the Cost06:38 Step 3 Say It Clearly07:45 Step 4 Add Warmth10:54 Step 5 Counter Offers12:45 Real Life Scripts13:53 Healthy No ConclusionHere's the link to download my free couples communication guide: https://www.turnitup.coach/communicationguideI'm also offering a free 30-minute strategy call for personalized help. Schedule your free Strategy call today at by calling or texting 626-804-1731or go to https://tidycal.com/kdupee1/30-minute-strategy-callHere's the link to get your free copy of my book, Turn it Up - how to have the lifelong marriage that you really want: https://turnitup.coach/75Here's the link to my video on Making it Ok to Say No: https://youtu.be/l08-Jo8UjoA

Saying No in Marriage Without Starting a Fight (A Biblical Way to Make “No” Feel Safe Again)I share a simple Biblical way to make saying no feel safe again in marriage by treating “no” as information, not rejection, so you respond with curiosity instead of control. I explain how conflict escalates when a request becomes a fight over what it “means,” and why you actually want your spouse to be able to say no—because if they can’t say no, they can’t truly say yes. Using Ephesians 4:3 and Matthew 5:37, I emphasize integrity, peace, and avoiding pressure or manipulation. I then give five practical tools: ask in a way that allows a real answer, respond to no with curiosity, add warmth and a counter offer when you say no, separate the request from your worth, and say yes as much as you reasonably can. I end with a weekly challenge to practice kind no’s and curious responses.Here's the link to download my free couples communication guide: https://www.turnitup.coach/communicationguideI'm also offering a free 30-minute strategy call for personalized help. Schedule your free Strategy call today at by calling or texting 626-804-1731or go to https://tidycal.com/kdupee1/30-minute-strategy-callHere's the link to get your free copy of my book, Turn it Up - how to have the lifelong marriage that you really want: https://turnitup.coach/75Here's the link to my video on How to ask for what you need in your marriage: https://youtu.be/2sUcdK5dPCg00:00 When No Explodes00:55 Why No Feels Personal02:10 The No Means Yes Problem02:41 No Is Information03:23 Biblical Foundation04:43 Five Tools Overview04:51 Ask For Real Answers05:34 Curiosity Not Control06:07 Warm No With Options07:49 Don't Tie Worth To No08:10 Say Yes More Often08:40 Weekly Challenge Wrap09:09 Final Encouragement

Turn Conflict Into Clarity: Making Requests in MarriageIn this episode, I share a simple “volume knob” tool to reduce everyday marriage frustration by improving how we communicate. Using a real example from a couple with an infant, I explain four levels of communication—suggestion, wish, request, and boundary—and how moving from hints to clear, respectful making requests can prevent resentment and power struggles. I teach you to start requests with “Would you please,” and to make SMART requests (specific, measurable, action-oriented, reasonable, time-limited). I also cover healthy options for responding to requests—yes (with follow-through), no (with clarity), or a counter offer (changing the task or time)—and when boundaries are needed to protect respect, safety, and trust. Here's the link to download my free couples communication guide: https://www.turnitup.coach/communicationguideI'm also offering a free 30-minute strategy call for personalized help. Schedule your free Strategy call today at by calling or texting 626-804-1731or go to https://tidycal.com/kdupee1/30-minute-strategy-callHere's the link to get your free copy of my book, Turn it Up - how to have the lifelong marriage that you really want: https://turnitup.coach/75Here's the link to my video on How to ask for what you need in your marriage: https://youtu.be/2sUcdK5dPCg00:00 Why Marriage Feels Hard00:54 Infant Naptime Conflict02:22 The Volume Knob Framework02:54 Suggestions Can Sound Critical03:37 Wishes Share Your Heart04:28 Make Clear Smart Requests06:20 Responding Yes No Counter09:24 When You Need Boundaries11:13 Try This Tonight11:56 Final Encouragement Next StepsAre you feeling like your spouse just doesn't hear you? A lot of everyday marriage frustration isn't about WHAT you're asking for, but HOW you're asking it. This video offers practical marriage advice to improve your communication skills and address common relationship problems. Learn to speak clearly and with love, fostering effective communication in marriage.

When You Feel Like You Can’t Do This Anymore in Marriage I spoke to the spouse who said, “I can’t do this anymore,” and shared Hebrews 6:12 to encourage: "Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit God’s promises. For marriages that feel hopeless but are safe, I highlight God’s promises of oneness (Genesis 2:24), agreement (Amos 3:3), and unity through peace (Ephesians 4:3). I define faith as expecting God to work and patience as staying in the process without making permanent decisions in a temporary storm. Learn practical steps—the ABCs of faith and patience: Admit and ask (1 John 5:14–15), Believe (Mark 11:24), Confess life-giving words (Proverbs 18:21; Philippians 4:13), and Do actionable next steps (James 2:17).Here's the link to download my free couples communication guide: https://www.turnitup.coach/communicationguideI'm also offering a free 30-minute strategy call for personalized help. Schedule your free Strategy call today at by calling or texting 626-804-1731or go to https://tidycal.com/kdupee1/30-minute-strategy-callHere's the link to get your free copy of my book, Turn it Up - how to have the lifelong marriage that you really want: https://turnitup.coach/75Here's the link to my video on How to Invite God into your Marriage: https://youtu.be/AH41nBtWzW800:00 When You Feel Done00:59 Hebrews 6 12 Hope02:04 Safety Comes First02:56 Gods Marriage Promises04:59 Faith And Patience06:33 ABCs Ask Admit07:49 Believe For Change08:27 Confess Life Words10:27 Do The Next Step11:33 Final EncouragementFeeling like you can't do this anymore in your marriage? This message is for you. When you're running on empty, remember that enduring through faith and marriage is what God desires. Just like James 2:17 says, 'faith without works is DEAD.' Don't give up on your relationships; there are steps you can take to address these relationship problems.I'm Kelly Dupee, your Christian marriage coach. God wants to do GREAT things in your life and marriage. 🙏❤️