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Send us Fan Mail I’ve been holding something back. Not because I didn’t think it mattered… but because I wasn’t sure how it would land. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal wrestle around faith, intimacy, and a breakthrough I can’t explain through effort alone. This one is raw, honest, and unfolding in real time. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail Do you ever feel like no matter what you try… you and your spouse keep ending up in the same place? The same arguments. The same disconnect. The same frustration. Maybe you’ve had the conversations… tried new approaches… even gotten help… and still—nothing really changes. In this episode, we explore why that happens. Because it’s not just about what you’re doing… it’s about what’s driving the pattern underneath it. You’ll learn why “starting over” often doesn’t work, what’s really going on beneath the surface (especially in intimacy), and how to begin shifting the cycle in a way that actually creates change. In This Episode: Why you keep repeating the same patterns in your marriageWhat’s really happening underneath those patternsHow these dynamics show up in your intimacyWhat “starting fresh” actually meansA simple practice to interrupt the cycle in real timeWhat to do when your spouse isn’t meeting you thereNext Step: If you’re realizing communication might be part of what’s been missing… Download the Gentle Start Guide to Better Communication and begin opening conversations without conflict or shutdown. If this episode resonated with you, follow the show and share it with someone who might need this too. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail Ever feel like you’re the only one carrying the intimacy in your relationship? Like you’re the one reaching, thinking about it, wondering why it’s not happening… while your spouse feels distant or hard to read? Or maybe you’re on the other side—feeling pressure, expectation, and not fully understanding why it feels so hard to respond. In this episode, we slow things down and look beneath the surface of what’s really going on. Because this isn’t just about sex. It’s about what’s happening underneath it. In This Episode: Why initiation isn’t the real issueWhat the “pursuer” may actually be longing forThe hidden weight the “withdrawer” may be carryingHow we create meaning based on our own insecuritiesWhy emotional safety must come before physical intimacyWhat it looks like to begin again—togetherTimestamps: 00:00 Feeling Alone in Intimacy 00:40 Why Initiation Isn’t It 03:03 The Pursuer’s Deeper Need 04:51 The Withdrawer’s Hidden Weight 06:30 Stories We Tell Ourselves 07:45 Build Safety Before Sex 09:24 Dig Up the Roots 10:10 Starting Over Together 11:14 Breaking Pursuer Roles 12:22 Next Steps and Coaching 12:53 Closing and Outro Next Step: If you’re realizing there’s more underneath your dynamic than you’ve been able to sort through on your own… You don’t have to navigate it alone. 👉 Book a Courageous Love Conversation and begin understanding what’s really happening in your relationship. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wanted your spouse… but held back? Or reached for them… and their response stayed with you longer than you expected? What looks like a simple moment often carries something much deeper—questions about being wanted, being seen, and what it all means. In this episode, we explore why reaching for your spouse can feel so emotionally loaded in long-term marriage, and how to begin shifting out of patterns of rejection, pressure, and quiet resentment. You’ll learn: Why intimacy can start to feel heavy instead of invitingHow “not tonight” turns into something more personalWhat happens when sex begins to feel like a testThe cycle that slowly leads couples to stop reaching for each otherHow differentiation helps you stay grounded and connectedAnd a simple way to respond differently the next time this moment happens. If this resonates with you, I’d truly love to hear your experience. You can reach out via email or Instagram—I’m getting more and more curious about how women are navigating this in their marriages. And if you’re ready for support as you begin shifting these patterns, you’re invited to book a Courageous Love Conversation—a space to slow down, reflect, and begin creating something different. Follow, rate, and share this episode with someone who might need it. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail Rebuilding intimacy doesn’t start with fixing it… it starts with understanding it. If you’ve had the conversation about sex in your marriage and nothing really changed, this episode will help you see why. In this episode, we explore how curiosity—not pressure, not techniques—is the first step toward rebuilding emotional and physical intimacy. You’ll learn how assumptions, self-protection, and the difference between men and women can quietly create disconnection… and what it looks like to begin shifting that dynamic. Inside this episode: • Why talking about intimacy often doesn’t lead to change • The “awkward middle” most couples get stuck in • How assumptions create distance and self-protection • The emotional vs physical connection gap between men and women • What it means to “go first” without expectation • One simple question to begin opening the conversation A gentle next step: Instead of trying to fix anything this week… just notice. What comes up for you when you think about intimacy? And if you feel ready, ask your spouse: “What does intimacy feel like for you right now?” If this episode stirred something in you, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach out with questions or situations you’d like support around. And if you’re ready to take the next step, you can book a Courageous Love Conversation—a space to talk honestly about what’s going on and begin moving toward the connection you want. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail There’s a stage in many marriages that almost nobody talks about. Sex hasn’t disappeared completely… but it also isn’t happening regularly anymore. Weeks—or even months—go by, and both partners notice the distance but feel unsure how to bring it up. In this episode, Christine Bongiovanni explores what she calls “the awkward middle” of intimacy—that quiet stage where sexual connection has faded and the silence around it begins to feel uncomfortable. Christine shares a personal story from her own marriage and reflects on what she and Jeff discovered along the way about initiation, resentment, healing old beliefs about sex, and why rebuilding intimacy often begins with curiosity rather than pressure. If you’ve ever wondered how couples move from awkward distance back toward connection, this conversation will help you feel seen and begin exploring what might be happening beneath the surface. In this episode you'll discover: • Why sexual disconnection often develops slowly in long-term marriages • How initiation patterns can quietly create resentment • The hidden stories many people carry about sex and desirability • Why curiosity is the first step toward rebuilding intimacy • A simple reflection exercise to better understand your own experience If this episode resonates with you, Christine would love to hear your story. You can share your experience by emailing [email protected] . You can also download the Gentle Start Guide to Better Communication to begin opening up difficult conversations with your spouse. And if you'd like personal support navigating your relationship, schedule a Courageous Love Conversation with Christine. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail Shame often hides beneath the surface of intimacy struggles in marriage. Many couples assume they simply need to try harder—communicate more, schedule time together, or change behaviors. But shame doesn’t loosen its grip through effort alone. In this episode, Christine Bongiovanni explores how shame quietly shapes intimacy, why behavioral fixes often fail, and how secure love and emotional safety help the nervous system relax so deeper connection can grow. If intimacy has felt guarded or complicated in your marriage, this conversation will help you understand what may be happening beneath the surface—and what actually helps shame lose its power. You’ll also hear practical next steps for building emotional safety and creating a new story around intimacy in your relationship. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail Is sexual intimacy in your marriage really about desire… or something deeper? In Episode 255, Christine explores sexual formation in marriage and how early messages about sex shape trust, safety, and desire. What if “low desire” is actually guarded desire? And why don’t behavior changes alone create lasting transformation? This episode begins a new journey into marital sexual transformation — one rooted in awareness, emotional safety, and understanding what your body learned long before you chose what you believe. Download The Gentle Start Guide to Better Communication or book a Courageous Love Conversation to continue the work. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever argued about something small… only to find yourselves back in the same fight weeks later? In this episode, Christine shares why learning conflict resolution in marriage takes years of practice — and why small arguments matter more than you think. Through a personal story (yes, it involves silverware) and real client examples, she unpacks: • Why repair feels clunky at first • The difference between apology and asking for forgiveness • Why small fights are powerful training reps • How practice builds trust and emotional safety If you’re ready to stop waiting for hurt feelings to fade and start building real repair skills, this episode will guide you forward. Download the Gentle Start Guide to Better Communication and book a Courageous Love Conversation to practice a new way forward. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail Many couples aren’t in crisis — they’re in a quiet middle space. Not deeply connected. Not fighting constantly. Just… living around the ache. In this episode, Christine explores the subtle pattern where one partner reaches for change while the other avoids it — and how resignation slowly replaces longing. If you’ve ever told yourself, “We’re okay,” while something inside you still feels distant or unfulfilled, this conversation will help you reconnect with your honesty — gently and without pressure. You’ll learn: Why couples get stuck in emotional limboThe hidden cost of living in resignationThe subtle lies we tell ourselves about wanting moreReflective questions to help you reconnect with what you missHow to take a next step without forcing an outcomeIf this resonates, consider scheduling a Courageous Love Conversation — a space to gain clarity about where you are and what support might help. And if someone came to mind while listening, share this episode with them. It may be the nudge they need. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail Valentine’s Day expectations in marriage often go unspoken — and that’s where disappointment begins. In this episode, Christine explores how waiting for your spouse to meet expectations without clear communication can create quiet resentment. You’ll learn how to examine what you truly want, share your desires with clarity, and use Valentine’s Day as an invitation for deeper connection rather than pressure. Christine also discusses how to express love without conditions, take care of your own heart when expectations aren’t met, and start honest conversations that build intimacy over time. Resources mentioned: – Gentle Start Guide to Better Communication – Courageous Love Conversation 🎧 Share this episode with a friend or your spouse if it puts words to something you’ve been feeling. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail Why do the same conflicts keep showing up in marriage — even when both partners care? In this episode of Awaken You in Your Marriage, Christine explores how personality styles show up during conflict and why understanding these differences can dramatically shift communication and connection. You’ll learn how different personality styles respond under stress, what each type needs most in conflict, and why couples often clash not because of the issue itself, but because of how they protect themselves emotionally. This episode offers a compassionate, practical lens for understanding yourself and your spouse — without labeling or blame — and includes tools to help couples stay emotionally connected even during difficult conversations. Christine also shares how listeners can explore their personality style further using the Live the Life app, of which I am NOT a paid sponsor, and invites couples to continue the work together. 🎧 A hopeful, practical conversation for couples who want to communicate with more clarity and compassion. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Awaken You in Your Marriage, Christine explores how understanding personality can bring clarity and compassion to communication struggles in marriage. Rather than focusing only on what couples fight about, this conversation looks at how personality and stress responses shape conflict. Christine introduces a simple, accessible personality framework and explains how different wiring can lead to misunderstanding — even when both partners have good intentions. You’ll learn: Why communication breaks down even when couples care deeplyHow personality influences conflict and stress responsesWhy self-compassion is the starting point for healthier connectionHow shared language can reduce blame and increase understandingChristine also invites listeners to explore the free personality assessment inside the Live the Life app, which includes tools, conversation starters, and date ideas for couples. 🎧 Listen in and discover how understanding personality can soften conflict and strengthen connection. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail At the start of a new year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you should be working on in your marriage. In this episode, Christine offers a gentler and more sustainable approach. Instead of fixing all the things or waiting for the “right time,” you’re invited to slow down, listen, and choose one internal shift that could begin changing the dynamic in your relationship. Christine explores why readiness often comes after the noise settles, how accountability supports real change, and why communication is often the place where small shifts make the biggest difference. This episode is a practical and encouraging follow-up to Episodes 247 and 248—helping you move from awareness into meaningful, supported action. In this episode, you’ll explore: Why waiting for perfect timing often keeps couples stuckHow choosing one focus can change the tone of your marriageThe role of accountability in creating lasting changeHow to communicate more gently and effectivelyNext steps: Download the Gentle Start Guide to Better CommunicationBook a Courageous Love Conversation for clarity and accountabilityShare this episode with your spouse or a friendYou don’t need to work on everything—just the right thing. CBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...

Send us Fan Mail After emotionally full seasons—holidays, weddings, family gatherings, caretaking, and travel—it’s common to feel slower rather than energized. In this episode, Christine explores the quiet “in-between” season that often follows big life moments and why it doesn’t mean anything has gone wrong. This gentle, reflective conversation invites listeners to discern the difference between rest and retreat, productivity and protection, and how these inner shifts show up in marriage. You’ll also learn how to communicate what’s happening internally so quiet seasons don’t turn into relational distance. This episode is a permission slip to slow down and stay connected—to yourself and to your spouse. Timestamps: 00:00 Embracing the Post-Holiday Slowdown01:29 Welcome to AwakenYou in Your Marriage02:03 Reflecting on a Busy Season03:44 Navigating the Aftermath of Events05:33 Balancing Rest and Productivity12:14 Why Social Connection Can Help Lift a Funk18:15 How Quiet Seasons Show Up in Marriage22:12 Self-Reflection: What Do You Need Right Now?23:29 Invitation for Support and Next StepsCBS News Interview: 6 Tips For A Healthy & Loving Relationship Does communication feel hard in your marriage? Get my Gentle Start Communication Guide, where I share a gentle daily practice that helps you stay present, name what’s true for you, and build connection without escalation or problem-solving. Unlock deeper connection in your marriage with my free guide, Daily Prompts for Deeper Connection with Your Spouse—get it now! Start feeling more connected and loved in your marriage today with my free Reclaim More Love in Just 3 Days process. This process will have you learning how to shift your focus, in a healthy way, and nurture thoughts that build connection and transform how you feel about your marriage. More resources and how you can start the process of Awakening(YourTrue)You and being the partner who creates your best version of what marriage looks like for you: https://christinebongiovanni.com/ Join my AwakenYou newsletter for weekly marriage tips and early announcements of upcoming offerings. ...