In this episode, we explore practical, action-oriented strategies to repair and strengthen your marriage based on Lee Balcom’s principles. Whether you're feeling disconnected or just want to deepen your connection, these insights can help guide your journey toward emotional safety, better communication, and lasting love.

Main content insights:

• The distinction between simple and easy solutions in relationship work; real change requires effort.
• Focus on self-change by improving communication, emotional responses, and trust, which in turn can significantly impact the relationship.
• Relationships are dynamic; they either grow or shrink, be proactive in fostering growth.
• Shifting mindset from blaming your partner to focusing on your own behaviors fosters accountability.
• Small, consistent actions to rebuild trust and emotional safety are more effective than grand gestures.
• Avoid blaming or shaming; emotional safety is prioritized over superficial romance.
• The importance of recognizing that emotional disconnection occurs gradually and needs gentle, ongoing attention.
• Responding positively to bids for attention and connection is crucial; the Gottman Institute emphasizes bids and response rates.
• Address issues early before they escalate; waiting until problems become unbearable reduces relationship resilience.
• Working on oneself doesn't enable bad behavior but can empower you to make healthier choices including walking away if necessary.
• Communication through daily routines, like walks or shared activities, sustains connection over time.
• Defensiveness is a primary relationship killer; practicing vulnerability and understanding reduces conflicts.
• Love survives without admiration and respect; both are foundational for lasting partnership.
• Personal growth and positivity are attractive and can redirect marital trajectories toward renewal.
• Relationship maintenance resembles watering a garden, ongoing attention is key to long-term health.

To purchase How To Save Your Marriage: In Three Simple Steps by Lee Baucom, go to: Amazon or check Lee Baucom's Save The Marriage website

Let’s Chat! Have a love story to share or a book recommendation we can’t miss? Maybe you have a "What Would You Do?" dilemma for us to tackle? We’d also love to hear from published authors or fellow relationship podcasters interested in an interview!

Head over to www.myperfectromance.com to connect.

Coming Up:

• Heated Rivarlry: Official Trailer
• Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman: Call Me By Your Name - Goodreads
• Interview with Lindsey Goldstein Author of Gap Year: The Gap Year - Goodreads

• (00:00:00) - How To Save Your Marriage (3 Simple Steps)
• (00:05:42) - Lee Balcombe on How to Change a Marriage
• (00:08:47) - Does Working On Yourself Help Save the Marriage?
• (00:13:01) - How To Start Talking To Your Partner
• (00:17:35) - "Too Far Val": My nickname for my girlfriend
• (00:17:55) - What Makes People Feel Emotionally Connected?
• (00:20:56) - Why Do Married People Wait So Long to Address Problems in Their Relations
• (00:23:33) - How To Talk To Your Partner
• (00:28:09) - Is Defensiveness The Biggest Relationship Killer?
• (00:32:28) - Is Your Partner the One Carrying the Weight of Your Marriage?
• (00:33:31) - Forgiveness Is A Decision
• (00:36:21) - Does Relationship Change Start With One Person?
• (00:37:48) - Was The Book Too Optimistic About Saving Marriages?
• (00:38:15) - What advice in the book would actually be hardest to apply in your
• (00:40:41) - How to Win a Relationship: The Book Review
• (00:43:54) - MY PERFECT ROMANCE