If you’ve ever found yourself in a marriage rut—where date nights feel forced and conversations revolve around paying bills—it’s time to look at a form of intimacy you might not be prioritizing: recreational intimacy. On the latest (and final!) episode of this intimacy series, my husband Shaun and I pull back the curtain on how couples can rekindle connection by nurturing their friendship and making space for play, laughter, and adventure together.

Key Topics Covered:
What is Recreational Intimacy? Shaun kicks off the conversation by defining recreational intimacy as finding fun activities that couples can enjoy together. 
The Power (and Struggle) of Friendship in Marriage: We discuss our opposite personalities and preferences, emphasizing that couples don’t need to like all the same things to build a strong friendship. 
Creative (and Affordable) Date Ideas: From scavenger hunts to upcoming tips from a future guest about "date nights for cheapskates," this episode is packed with outside-the-box ways to keep dating on a budget. 
Practical Advice for Struggling Couples: For couples who feel distant or have lost their friendship, we suggest starting with the basics and pairing conversation with activities like walks or games to reduce pressure and foster connection.
The Healing Power of Laughter: We credit humor as a “saving grace” in our 26-year marriage. Don't take things too seriously, and find ways to bring laughter and lightheartedness back into daily life.
Tips for Parents & Busy Couples: Whether it’s finding brief moments alone while kids are at preschool or doing creative home "dates" after bedtime, the message is clear: prioritize your friendship and fun, no matter your season of life.

Quote Highlights:

“You don’t have to like the same things because you’re in a relationship. You are naturally going to have to learn to like some of the things that your spouse likes.”

“If you can laugh, you can have a friendship. Laughter can get you through the hard times.”

“Don’t allow your friendship to go because at the end of the day, your kids are going to grow up and leave, and you’re going to be left with this person.”

Resources & Links:

Download your free Intimacy Series Guide: danache.com/intimacyseries

Get your free Ultimate Couples Checklist here.

Apply for my Covenant Connections group coaching

 

Follow Dana Che on the socials! 

Instagram 

Facebook 

YouTube

Like the show? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW the podcast! Then, give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and leave a great review! 

 

If you&rsquo;ve ever found yourself in a marriage rut&mdash;where date nights feel forced and conversations revolve around paying bills&mdash;it&rsquo;s time to look at a form of intimacy you might not be prioritizing: recreational intimacy. On the latest (and final!) episode of this intimacy series, my husband Shaun and I pull back the curtain on how couples can rekindle connection by nurturing their friendship and making space for play, laughter, and adventure together.
Key Topics Covered:
<ul>
<li>What is Recreational Intimacy? Shaun kicks off the conversation by defining recreational intimacy as finding fun activities that couples can enjoy together.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The Power (and Struggle) of Friendship in Marriage: We discuss our opposite personalities and preferences, emphasizing that couples don&rsquo;t need to like all the same things to build a strong friendship.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Creative (and Affordable) Date Ideas: From scavenger hunts to upcoming tips from a future guest about "date nights for cheapskates," this episode is packed with outside-the-box ways to keep dating on a budget.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Practical Advice for Struggling Couples: For couples who feel distant or have lost their friendship, we suggest starting with the basics and pairing conversation with activities like walks or games to reduce pressure and foster connection.</li>
<li>The Healing Power of Laughter: We credit humor as a &ldquo;saving grace&rdquo; in our 26-year marriage. Don't take things too seriously, and find ways to bring laughter and lightheartedness back into daily life.</li>
<li>Tips for Parents &amp; Busy Couples: Whether it&rsquo;s finding brief moments alone while kids are at preschool or doing creative home "dates" after bedtime, the message is clear: prioritize your friendship and fun, no matter your season of life.</li>
</ul>
Quote Highlights:
&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t have to like the same things because you&rsquo;re in a relationship. You are naturally going to have to learn to like some of the things that your spouse likes.&rdquo;
&ldquo;If you can laugh, you can have a friendship. Laughter can get you through the hard times.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t allow your friendship to go because at the end of the day, your kids are going to grow up and leave, and you&rsquo;re going to be left with this person.&rdquo;
Resources &amp; Links:
Download your free Intimacy Series Guide:<a href="https://danache.com/intimacyseries"> danache.com/intimacyseries</a>
Get your free<a href="https://danache.com/ultimatecouple"> Ultimate Couples Checklist here.</a>
<a href="https://danache.com/covenantconnections">Apply for my Covenant Connections group coaching</a>
&nbsp;
Follow Dana Che on the socials!&nbsp;
<a href="https://instagram.com/mrsdanache">Instagram&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://facebook.com/mrsdanache">Facebook&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://youtube.com/@mrsdanache">YouTube</a>
Like the show? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW the podcast! Then, give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and leave a great review!&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Ever wonder if your marriage can feel close and alive again—even after disappointment, disconnection, or broken trust?

Rebuilding Us is a Christian marriage podcast featuring honest conversations about marriage, connection, and faith. Hosted by relationship expert, speaker, and author Dana Che, each episode provides biblical relationship advice and practical tools for couples who want deep, authentic connection and real hope—and enough humor to make the hard conversations a little easier.

Whether you’re struggling with communication, recurring conflict, emotional distance, rebuilding trust, infidelity, or simply wanting a deeper connection with your spouse, Rebuilding Us will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface—and what it takes to move forward.

Through solo teaching, real-life stories, and conversations with insightful guests, Dana brings warmth, wisdom, candor, and humor to the conversations couples are often afraid—or unsure how—to have.

You’ll learn how to move from conflict to connection, rebuild trust, strengthen intimacy, and grow together through every season of marriage.

Because relationships can get messy. Trust can be broken. Connection can fade.

But broken doesn’t have to mean beyond repair. We’re rebuilding what life tried to break.

Welcome to Rebuilding Us. 

Get Dana's latest book, Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples, wherever books are sold! 

Ever wonder if your marriage can feel close and alive again&mdash;even after disappointment, disconnection, or broken trust?
Rebuilding Us is a Christian marriage podcast featuring honest conversations about marriage, connection, and faith. Hosted by relationship expert, speaker, and author Dana Che, each episode provides biblical relationship advice and practical tools for couples who want deep, authentic connection and real hope&mdash;and enough humor to make the hard conversations a little easier.
Whether you&rsquo;re struggling with communication, recurring conflict, emotional distance, rebuilding trust, infidelity, or simply wanting a deeper connection with your spouse, Rebuilding Us will help you understand what&rsquo;s really happening beneath the surface&mdash;and what it takes to move forward.
Through solo teaching, real-life stories, and conversations with insightful guests, Dana brings warmth, wisdom, candor, and humor to the conversations couples are often afraid&mdash;or unsure how&mdash;to have.
You&rsquo;ll learn how to move from conflict to connection, rebuild trust, strengthen intimacy, and grow together through every season of marriage.
Because relationships can get messy. Trust can be broken. Connection can fade.
But broken doesn&rsquo;t have to mean beyond repair. We&rsquo;re rebuilding what life tried to break.
Welcome to Rebuilding Us.&nbsp;
Get Dana's latest book, <a href="https://danache.com/tried-and-true-book/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://danache.com/triedandtrue&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1767879070424000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Lc8E5zya32sng_mUFZb4t">Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples</a>,&nbsp;wherever books are sold!&nbsp;

Struggling with communication problems or broken trust in your relationship? Rebuilding Us is your weekly marriage podcast providing the tools and encouragement you need to overcome emotional hurt, rediscover the love you once shared, and rebuild your connection.

Rebuilding Us: Christian Marriage Advice for Couples

Ever wonder if your marriage can feel close and alive again—even after disappointment, disconnection, or broken trust?

Rebuilding Us is a Christian marriage podcast featuring honest conversations about marriage, connection, and faith. Hosted by relationship expert, speaker, and author Dana Che, each episode provides biblical relationship advice and practical tools for couples who want deep, authentic connection and real hope—and enough humor to make the hard conversations a little easier.

After 27 years of marriage, Dana knows that strong relationships aren’t built by avoiding hard seasons—they’re built by learning how to move through them well.

Whether you’re struggling with communication, recurring conflict, emotional distance, rebuilding trust, infidelity, or simply wanting a deeper connection with your spouse, Rebuilding Us will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface—and what it takes to move forward.

Through solo teaching, real-life stories, and conversations with insightful guests, Dana brings warmth, wisdom, candor, and humor to the conversations couples are often afraid—or unsure how—to have.

You’ll learn how to move from conflict to connection, rebuild trust, strengthen intimacy, and grow together through every season of marriage.

Because relationships can get messy. Trust can be broken. Connection can fade.

But broken doesn’t have to mean beyond repair. We’re rebuilding what life tried to break.

Welcome to Rebuilding Us. 

And be sure to get Dana's new book  Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples wherever books are sold! 

Ever wonder if your marriage can feel close and alive again&mdash;even after disappointment, disconnection, or broken trust?
Rebuilding Us is a Christian marriage podcast featuring honest conversations about marriage, connection, and faith. Hosted by relationship expert, speaker, and author Dana Che, each episode provides biblical relationship advice and practical tools for couples who want deep, authentic connection and real hope&mdash;and enough humor to make the hard conversations a little easier.
After 27 years of marriage, Dana knows that strong relationships aren&rsquo;t built by avoiding hard seasons&mdash;they&rsquo;re built by learning how to move through them well.
Whether you&rsquo;re struggling with communication, recurring conflict, emotional distance, rebuilding trust, infidelity, or simply wanting a deeper connection with your spouse, Rebuilding Us will help you understand what&rsquo;s really happening beneath the surface&mdash;and what it takes to move forward.
Through solo teaching, real-life stories, and conversations with insightful guests, Dana brings warmth, wisdom, candor, and humor to the conversations couples are often afraid&mdash;or unsure how&mdash;to have.
You&rsquo;ll learn how to move from conflict to connection, rebuild trust, strengthen intimacy, and grow together through every season of marriage.
Because relationships can get messy. Trust can be broken. Connection can fade.
But broken doesn&rsquo;t have to mean beyond repair. We&rsquo;re rebuilding what life tried to break.
Welcome to Rebuilding Us.&nbsp;
And be sure to get Dana's new book &nbsp;<a href="https://danache.com/triedandtrue" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://danache.com/triedandtrue&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1767879070424000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Lc8E5zya32sng_mUFZb4t">Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples</a>&nbsp;wherever books are sold!&nbsp;

If you’ve ever found yourself in a marriage rut—where date nights feel forced and conversations revolve around paying bills—it’s time to look at a form of intimacy you might not be prioritizing: recreational intimacy. 