Maintaining Intimacy After Grief | Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage

Greg and Erin discuss the importance of communication, romance, and navigating challenges within marriage with Jess and Ryan Ronne; who also share their journey of dealing with grief after losing their first spouses. The Ronnes offer insights into how they balance their relationship while caring for eight children (including one with special needs), and the strategies they use to maintain intimacy and satisfaction. We share a new communication method where partners respond to requests with 'yes,' 'no,' or 'maybe,' and we'll also share a listener email and give practical advice on managing in-law tensions. This show is filled with personal anecdotes, advice on vulnerability, and maintaining a strong marriage amid life's challenges. ✅ Topics: How grief impacts emotional and sexual intimacy Using HIS & HERS to deepen your marriage When your spouse is not your therapist Navigating marriage with a child who has special needs Why date nights and prayer can revive connection The power of the “yes, maybe, no” communication tool 💛 Helpful Resources: Free Marriage Assessment: https://bit.ly/4cncOKw Marriage Articles: https://bit.ly/3C60vEC Marriage Counselors: https://bit.ly/3Yz0eRQ Hope Restored Marriage Intensive: https://bit.ly/4mgAjtm Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage Podcast: https://bit.ly/4fvCl4r Send us your questions: https://bit.ly/4aaiMOn ▶️ Follow us: Instagram:   / focusmarriage   Facebook:   / focusonthefamily   Website: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marr... Call our Counseling Line for help: 1-800-A-FAMILY (1-800-232-6459) ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: New Love After Loss 01:00 – Jess & Ryan’s Story of Meeting 02:30 – How Grief Continues in Parenting 04:10 – Grieving Together vs. Apart 05:20 – When Spouses Become Therapists 06:15 – Setting Boundaries Around Past Marriages 07:30 – "The Two Shall Become One" 08:20 – The HIS + HERS Acronym Explained 11:00 – How Men and Women View Intimacy Differently 13:00 – Redefining Romance (It's Not the Dishes!) 15:30 – Creating a Romance List 17:00 – How Romance Needs Change Over Time 18:30 – The Power of the Voxer App for Communication 21:00 – Parenting Through Exhaustion and Special Needs 23:00 – Making Prayer and Date Nights a Priority 24:30 – Advice They’d Give Their Newlywed Selves 27:00 – The Two Shall Become One (Not Four) 29:00 – Getting Counseling for Grief and Trauma 30:00 – Q&A: In-Laws, Boundaries, and Passive-Aggression #focusonthefamily #focusonthefamilymarriage #blendedfamily #grievingtogether #specialneedsparenting #marriagetips #romanceinmarriage #intimacy #ChristianMarriage #HelpingYourFamilyThriveInChrist