Doug kicks off the podcast episode with a great question:
❓ “What’s the single most important thing you can do to make your marriage rock solid?”
👉 It’s cuddling. Yep. Straight from therapist Mary Jo Rapini and backed by actual studies.
Listen to the whole hour about emotional connection here!
🧠The Brain-Science Behind the Snuggles
Cuddling does more than make you feel warm and fuzzy:
-Releases oxytocin (aka the “love hormone”) 😍
-Activates your smell and touch centers, reminding you of your love
-Builds a non-verbal connection without draining energy
-Sparks better communication and intimacy
Doug drops this truth:
“I need to feel loved before I can do love.”
💬Feelings: Learn ‘Em, Name ‘Em, Share ‘Em
Doug explores emotional literacy, especially for people who grew up being told to “stuff their feelings.” Here’s the playbook:
-Name your feelings
Use an emotion wheel (seriously, Google it and stick it on your fridge).
Emotions are human, not a weakness.
-Share your feelings 💬
Your spouse wants to know you. If you’re not sharing what’s inside, they’re playing emotional charades with blindfolds.
“Spouses are not mind readers. Help them out.”
-Validate their feelings 🙏
No mocking, dismissing, or fixing… Just listen, accept, and honor what they’re feeling.
A Beautiful Bonus from a Caller
Marissa from California calls in with a gem:
What’s kept her marriage strong? Praying together.
-They do couple prayer: talking to God together as a team.
-They serve and volunteer as one.
-It’s made them feel closer than ever.
Doug agrees that adoration, prayer, and shared spiritual time can knit your hearts tighter than anything.
Bottom Line: Emotional Connection > Everything Else
So, here’s your takeaway homework:
-Cuddle. Every day. Not with an end goal… just to feel close.
-Name your feelings. Use tools if you need to.
-Share vulnerably. Let your spouse see you.
-Pray together. Even quietly, side by side.
❤️ A rock-solid marriage isn’t built on grand gestures. It’s built in small, tender, intentional moments.
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