Instead of waiting for problems, couples can implement a simple weekly check-in. Asking specific questions ("What 3 things made you feel loved? What 3 could I do better?") provides a structured, low-friction way to perform preventative maintenance on the relationship.
Inspired by Brené Brown, partners can avoid conflict by quantifying their emotional capacity. Stating "I'm at 20%" signals you don't have the energy for a difficult conversation. This allows your partner to adjust expectations, provide support, or table the issue, preventing a fight that would have been caused by depletion, not malice.
Despite its complexities, a successful marriage's foundation is simple: each partner consistently feels they are the other's favorite person. This core sentiment, when genuinely maintained, provides the warmth and motivation to navigate inevitable challenges.
Many acts of service go unnoticed in a partnership. Asking this specific question provides an opportunity for your partner to highlight efforts they wish to be seen for. It moves beyond generic gratitude to targeted, meaningful acknowledgment, preventing feelings of being unappreciated.
The idea that scheduling kills romance is a myth. A recurring, structured check-in prevents small issues from festering into major conflicts. This foundation of safety and alignment is what truly allows for genuine playfulness, humor, and spontaneity to flourish within the relationship.
The host uses a "30/30" rule for her marriage: 30 minutes of play and 30 minutes of intentional conversation. Co-founders can adapt this to build rapport and tackle strategic issues. This structured check-in prevents important, non-urgent conversations from being postponed, ensuring long-term alignment.
Don't let the cofounder dynamic run on autopilot. Proactively establish "vows"—commitments on decision-making and conflict resolution. Then, create a regular relationship rhythm for check-ins. This practice of stepping "onto the balcony" to observe the relationship is crucial for long-term health and success.
Any goal, no matter how abstract, can be improved if it's measured. Even a complex concept like a successful marriage can be tracked with a simple daily metric (e.g., a "red dot/green dot" system). This creates a tangible signal to steer by, as "what gets measured gets improved."
High achievers often apply immense rigor to their companies while neglecting their personal lives. To avoid this imbalance, treat your life like a business by implementing formal processes like quarterly reviews for relationships and personal goals, ensuring they receive the purposeful investment they need to thrive.
A successful long-term partnership can be maintained with four practices: 1) Prioritize fun over rehearsing grievances. 2) Pray or meditate together to align spiritually. 3) Always make eye contact during conversations. 4) 'Always Be Touching' (ABT) to maintain physical connection.
In an intense conversation, especially with a partner, don't stop after their initial statement. Ask, 'Is there more?' When they finish, ask again. Repeat for a third round. This active listening process helps the speaker articulate profound truths they couldn't access alone, fostering deep connection.