We sit down with marriage and family therapist Andrea Dindinger to name the repeat fight loops that hijack connection and to practice simple ways to interrupt them before they turn mean. We walk away with concrete tools for calmer conflict, deeper intimacy, and more intentional partnership that ripples into the next generation. 

• naming the “loop” as the problem, not each other 
• spotting triggers and the deeper needs underneath them 
• using “bookmark” to pause conflict and return at a specific time 
• building trust by always coming back to the bookmarked talk 
• leading the moment by listening without taking it personally 
• using a firm “stop” paired with reassurance and safety 
• choosing curiosity before defensiveness as a relationship superpower 
• rethinking intimacy through “sexy logistics” and mental load 
• trying a 21-day experiment of small daily connection practices 
• letting go of perfection and focusing on repair and accountability 
• creating a shared vision and doing an annual relationship review 

Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.

Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store

Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce

The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.

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Dr. Liz Hale: 

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