Doug Hinderer has some solid New Year’s resolutions to fireproof your marriage. This episode was all about practical, doable steps to keep your relationship strong, fun, and maybe even a little romantic. Check out the full hour!
📵 1. Screen-Free Meals (and Bedrooms!)
Doug hits hard on the epidemic of “phubbing” (that’s phone-snubbing your spouse during quality time). Turns out, ignoring your spouse for Instagram isn’t exactly the secret sauce for a happy marriage. 🤷♀️
Rule #1: No screens during meals. Like, zero. Phones in another room.
Level-Up: No screens in the bedroom either!
📖 Moral of the Story: Put the phone down. Look into your spouse’s eyes. Talk. Laugh. Hold hands.
❤️ 2. Weekly Date Nights (Not Planning Meetings!)
Doug says most couples are doing date night wrong. It’s not about grocery lists and carpool schedules. It’s about connection, friendship, and being present.
✔️ DO:
Whisper sweet nothings.
Share why you love your spouse.
❌ DON’T:
Discuss the plumbing issue.
Argue about who forgot to buy milk.
💡 Pro-Tip: You don’t need a fancy dinner. Walk in the park. Split a dessert. Hold hands. Keep it about you two. ❤️
✈️ 3. Plan a Vacation (But Don’t Expect a Fix-All!)
Sure, tropical getaways are awesome, but Doug warns a trip won’t magically fix a struggling marriage. It’s a bonus, not a Band-Aid.
✔️ Great for bonding.
❌ Not a replacement for everyday effort.
4. Serve Together (or Just Find a Shared Hobby)
Volunteering? Yes. Tennis lessons? Sure.
Dancing? Why not?
Pickleball? Bring it on!
The point? Friendship grows when you’re doing life together outside the chaos of kids, work, and chores.
📚 5. Read Together (If That’s Your Thing)
Doug says reading books together can work, but only if you both enjoy it. Otherwise, stick with what actually brings you closer.
THE BIGGEST RESOLUTION:
1% Daily Investment in Your Marriage ❤️
This one’s gold: spend 15 minutes every single day (that’s just 1% of your day!) fully focused on your spouse.
No screens.
No distractions.
Just you two, talking, laughing, being present.
✅ Share what you love about each other.
✅ Talk about your day.
✅ Pray together.
🗓️ It’s Hard but SO Worth It:
Doug says couples often struggle with this, but those who stick to it see major relationship wins.
📣 Final Doug Wisdom Bomb:
Control the Screens.
Prioritize Date Nights.
Invest in Your Marriage Daily.
✨ Don’t leave your marriage to chance. ✨
Now, go plan that date night, and leave your phone in the car! 🚗📴
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