In this episode, I'm sharing my step-by-step plan for navigating a marriage separation with wisdom and clarity. Separation is never something we hope for, but sometimes it can feel like the last exit before divorce. I’m covering the exact conversations you need to have before separating—from setting boundaries and making living arrangements to talking about finances, kids, and even how (and if!) to tell friends and family.

I break down why knowing your "why" behind the separation is crucial, how to communicate difficult decisions with your spouse, and the importance of having clear start and end dates (plus regular checkpoints) to help you measure progress. I also talk candidly about common mistakes couples make and share encouragement and hope for those who feel like reconciliation is impossible.

If you or someone you know is considering separation, this episode will equip you with practical tools, seasoned advice, and hope to make the process as healthy as possible. 

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Learn from other couples just like you who made it through when you get my new book, Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples

Episode 406: How to do Separation in Marriage the S.M.A.R.T Way

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! 

In this episode, I'm sharing my step-by-step plan for navigating a marriage separation with wisdom and clarity. Separation is never something we hope for, but sometimes it can feel like the last exit before divorce. I&rsquo;m covering the exact conversations you need to have before separating&mdash;from setting boundaries and making living arrangements to talking about finances, kids, and even how (and if!) to tell friends and family.
I break down why knowing your "why" behind the separation is crucial, how to communicate difficult decisions with your spouse, and the importance of having clear start and end dates (plus regular checkpoints) to help you measure progress. I also talk candidly about common mistakes couples make and share encouragement and hope for those who feel like reconciliation is impossible.
If you or someone you know is considering separation, this episode will equip you with practical tools, seasoned advice, and hope to make the process as healthy as possible.&nbsp;
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Learn from other couples just like you who made it through when you get my new book, <a href="https://danache.com/tried-and-true-book/">Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples</a>
<a href="https://danache.com/marriage-podcasts/406-how-to-do-separation-in-marriage-the-s-m-a-r-t-way/">Episode 406: How to do Separation in Marriage the S.M.A.R.T Way</a>
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;

Ever wish there was an "easy" button for marriage? Or that you just had someone who understands the struggle? Rebuilding Us is a top-rated marriage podcast to help you restore intimacy, rebuild trust, and renew hope in your marriage. Join marriage coach Dana Che, who's been married to her hubby, Shaun, for 25 years as she guides couples on the journey toward restoration and connection.

Each episode includes real-life stories, practical strategies, and faith-filled insights to help you reignite love, deepen commitment, and create a thriving, joy-filled relationship. Say goodbye to Christian clichés—Dana’s relatable, no-nonsense approach (with a touch of humor!) will keep you coming back week after week. 

Whether you’re healing from infidelity, seeking stronger communication, or simply longing for a closer bond, this podcast equips you with the tools and encouragement to rebuild not just your relationship but yourself. 

Let the rebuild begin!  

**New episodes drop every Tuesday and Friday. Subscribe now and take the first step toward your best marriage yet.

My new book is out! Get Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples wherever books are sold! 

Tried and True is a marriage guide for couples facing pressure—disappointment, unmet expectations, seasons of delay, or conflict. Drawing from twelve flawed biblical couples, this book helps you understand what your trials are revealing—and how God can use them to strengthen your covenant and your connection.

Ever wish there was an "easy" button for marriage? Or that you just had someone who understands the struggle?&nbsp;Rebuilding Us is a top-rated marriage podcast to help you restore intimacy, rebuild trust, and renew hope in your marriage. Join marriage coach Dana Che, who's been married to her hubby, Shaun, for 25 years as she guides couples on the journey toward restoration and connection.
Each episode includes real-life stories, practical strategies, and faith-filled insights to help you reignite love, deepen commitment, and create a thriving, joy-filled relationship. Say goodbye to Christian clich&eacute;s&mdash;Dana&rsquo;s relatable, no-nonsense approach (with a touch of humor!) will keep you coming back week after week.&nbsp;
Whether you&rsquo;re healing from infidelity, seeking stronger communication, or simply longing for a closer bond, this podcast equips you with the tools and encouragement to rebuild not just your relationship but yourself.&nbsp;
Let the rebuild begin! &nbsp;
**New episodes drop every Tuesday and Friday. Subscribe now and take the first step toward your best marriage yet.
My new book is out! Get <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;
Tried and True is a marriage guide for couples facing pressure&mdash;disappointment, unmet expectations, seasons of delay, or conflict. Drawing from twelve flawed biblical couples, this book helps you understand what your trials are revealing&mdash;and how God can use them to strengthen your covenant and your connection.

Get the blueprint to improve your marriage and overcome hurt, rediscover intimacy, and deepen your connection. Communication problems got you down? "Rebuilding Us" gives you the valuable tools and encouragement to restore trust, learn from conflict, and navigate the ups and downs of marriage with grace and resilience.

Rebuilding Us: Marriage Podcast

A marriage podcast to help couples rebuild trust and rediscover genuine intimacy in their marriages. Sharing lessons from her 25-year marriage, marriage coach & speaker Dana Che will help you heal your past and find hope for your future as you glean effective marriage advice and tools from Dana Che and her guests. These episodic adventures will take you on a transformative journey to a happier and healthier marriage, through faith-based principles. 

With relevant relationship strategies, heartfelt stories, and uplifting messages of hope, aimed at inspiring marriages with lasting joy, intimacy, and fulfillment. No Christian clichés over here! Dana's tell-it-like-it-is yet warm humor will endear you to come back every single week.

The first letter in "us" is "u," so "rebuilding us" is also about rebuilding u (you). Whether you're seeking reconciliation, restoration, or simply looking for marriage enrichment, 'Rebuilding Us' will help guide your way.

New episodes drop every Tuesday & Friday. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single one!

My new book is out! Get Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples wherever books are sold! 

Tried and True is a marriage guide for couples facing pressure—disappointment, unmet expectations, seasons of delay, or conflict. Drawing from twelve flawed biblical couples, this book helps you understand what your trials are revealing—and how God can use them to strengthen your covenant and your connection.

A marriage podcast to help couples rebuild trust and rediscover genuine intimacy in their marriages. Sharing lessons from her 25-year marriage, marriage coach &amp; speaker Dana Che will help you heal your past and find hope for your future as you glean effective marriage advice and tools from Dana Che and her guests. These episodic adventures will take you on a transformative journey to a happier and healthier marriage, through faith-based principles.&nbsp;
With relevant relationship strategies, heartfelt stories, and uplifting messages of hope, aimed at inspiring marriages with lasting joy, intimacy, and fulfillment. No Christian clich&eacute;s over here! Dana's tell-it-like-it-is yet warm humor will endear you to come back every single week.
The first letter in "us" is "u," so "rebuilding us" is also about rebuilding u (you). Whether you're seeking reconciliation, restoration, or simply looking for marriage enrichment, 'Rebuilding Us' will help guide your way.
New episodes drop every Tuesday &amp; Friday. Subscribe today so you don't miss a single one!
My new book is out! Get <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;
Tried and True is a marriage guide for couples facing pressure&mdash;disappointment, unmet expectations, seasons of delay, or conflict. Drawing from twelve flawed biblical couples, this book helps you understand what your trials are revealing&mdash;and how God can use them to strengthen your covenant and your connection.

In this episode, I'm sharing my step-by-step plan for navigating a marriage separation with wisdom and clarity.

From Boundaries to Checkpoints: A Practical Plan for an Unexpected Marital Separation

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/79973850-171b-492c-8927-b45d00400cfb/transcript

Are you disappointed by someone you love? Maybe your spouse let you down, a friend broke your trust, or a relationship didn't turn out the way you hoped. The truth is, every one of us has experienced the pain of unmet expectations.

In this replay episode, we're revisiting a foundational conversation about hope, because the message is just as important today as when it first aired. Disappointment has a way of settling into our hearts if we don't address it. Left unchecked, it can lead to bitterness, resentment, anger, and emotional distance in our relationships.

But there is another path.

In this episode, we'll explore how to stop avoiding the pain of disappointment, confront the truth about what hurt you, and begin the healing process through forgiveness. When we release our disappointments to God and choose forgiveness, we make room for freedom, healing, and hope to grow.

The Beauty of Forgiveness

You've probably heard the saying, "Holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die."

While unforgiveness often feels like protection, it actually keeps us trapped in the very pain we're trying to avoid. Forgiveness doesn't excuse what happened, but it does release you from carrying the weight of the offense.

In marriage and close relationships, forgiveness isn't optional—it's essential. The people closest to us have the greatest access to our hearts, which means they also have the greatest capacity to hurt us. Yet Scripture reminds us that "love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).

What Disappointment Can Teach Us

As difficult as disappointment is, God can use it to develop something powerful within us. Romans 5:3-5 teaches that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance builds character, and character produces hope.

When we learn to endure relational disappointments instead of being defined by them, we grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. We begin to trust that God can redeem even the most painful circumstances and work them together for our good (Romans 8:28).

If you've been carrying disappointment, hurt, or unforgiveness, this conversation will encourage you to take the next step toward healing and rediscover the hope that God has for you.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 

Learn the 7 Secrets to Build a Lasting Marriage here. 

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! 

Are you disappointed by someone you love? Maybe your spouse let you down, a friend broke your trust, or a relationship didn't turn out the way you hoped. The truth is, every one of us has experienced the pain of unmet expectations.
In this replay episode, we're revisiting a foundational conversation about hope, because the message is just as important today as when it first aired. Disappointment has a way of settling into our hearts if we don't address it. Left unchecked, it can lead to bitterness, resentment, anger, and emotional distance in our relationships.
But there is another path.
In this episode, we'll explore how to stop avoiding the pain of disappointment, confront the truth about what hurt you, and begin the healing process through forgiveness. When we release our disappointments to God and choose forgiveness, we make room for freedom, healing, and hope to grow.
The Beauty of Forgiveness
You've probably heard the saying, "Holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die."
While unforgiveness often feels like protection, it actually keeps us trapped in the very pain we're trying to avoid. Forgiveness doesn't excuse what happened, but it does release you from carrying the weight of the offense.
In marriage and close relationships, forgiveness isn't optional&mdash;it's essential. The people closest to us have the greatest access to our hearts, which means they also have the greatest capacity to hurt us. Yet Scripture reminds us that "love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).
What Disappointment Can Teach Us
As difficult as disappointment is, God can use it to develop something powerful within us. Romans 5:3-5 teaches that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance builds character, and character produces hope.
When we learn to endure relational disappointments instead of being defined by them, we grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. We begin to trust that God can redeem even the most painful circumstances and work them together for our good (Romans 8:28).
If you've been carrying disappointment, hurt, or unforgiveness, this conversation will encourage you to take the next step toward healing and rediscover the hope that God has for you.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:&nbsp;
<a href="https://danache.com/7secrets">Learn the 7 Secrets to Build a Lasting Marriage here.&nbsp;</a>
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;

Are you disappointed by someone you love? Maybe your spouse let you down, a friend broke your trust, or a relationship didn't turn out the way you hoped. The truth is, every one of us has experienced the pain of unmet expectations.

Making Disapointment in Marriage Work In Your Favor [Sweet Repeat]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/96ee58bc-3f74-4f07-a21d-b46b0020f58f/transcript

I want you to have the clarity, consistency, and cooperation you need to avoid confusion, consequences, and chaos should you decide to do an in-home separation. Navigating an in-home separation is not an easy process, but sometimes, due to financial constraints, children with special needs, or unique life circumstances, it may be the best option. As someone who is 100% pro marriage and always rooting for reconciliation, I want you to be equipped as much as possible during this challenging season.

You’ll hear me break down nine tips to have a better success rate during your in-home separation, including how to define your purpose for separating, set clear boundaries, create a timeline, and prioritize individual healing and growth. I’ll walk you through the importance of establishing communication rhythms and creating metrics to track progress, right down to dividing household responsibilities and discussing how to navigate parenting together under one roof.

I'll also talk about why crucial conversations—sometimes with the help of a therapist, coach, or pastor—are necessary if you want to give your marriage the best shot at restoration.

Whether you’re considering an in-home separation or already in the midst of one, this episode is packed with practical, faith-based advice to help you plan, communicate, and make decisions that are healthy for both you and your spouse. Don't forget—divorce isn’t your only option, and a purposeful in-home separation can be part of your journey back to each other.

Resources Mentioned During This Episode: 

Ep. 406: How to Do a Separation the S.M.A.R.T Way

Get my new book, Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples, and take your marriage from blah to better.

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! 

I want you to have the clarity, consistency, and cooperation you need to avoid confusion, consequences, and chaos should you decide to do an in-home separation. Navigating an in-home separation is not an easy process, but sometimes, due to financial constraints, children with special needs, or unique life circumstances, it may be the best option. As someone who is 100% pro marriage and always rooting for reconciliation, I want you to be equipped as much as possible during this challenging season.
You&rsquo;ll hear me break down nine tips to have a better success rate during your in-home separation, including how to define your purpose for separating, set clear boundaries, create a timeline, and prioritize individual healing and growth. I&rsquo;ll walk you through the importance of establishing communication rhythms and creating metrics to track progress, right down to dividing household responsibilities and discussing how to navigate parenting together under one roof.
I'll also talk about why crucial conversations&mdash;sometimes with the help of a therapist, coach, or pastor&mdash;are necessary if you want to give your marriage the best shot at restoration.
Whether you&rsquo;re considering an in-home separation or already in the midst of one, this episode is packed with practical, faith-based advice to help you plan, communicate, and make decisions that are healthy for both you and your spouse. Don't forget&mdash;divorce isn&rsquo;t your only option, and a purposeful in-home separation can be part of your journey back to each other.
Resources Mentioned During This Episode:&nbsp;
<a href="https://danache.com/marriage-podcasts/406-how-to-do-separation-in-marriage-the-s-m-a-r-t-way/">Ep. 406: How to Do a Separation the S.M.A.R.T Way</a>
Get my new book, <a href="https://danache.com/triedandtrue">Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples</a>, and take your marriage from blah to better.
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>
&nbsp;
Like the show? Be sure to SUBSCRIBE/FOLLOW the podcast! Then, give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and leave a great review!&nbsp;

I want you to have the clarity, consistency, and cooperation you need to avoid confusion, consequences, and chaos should you decide to do an in-home separation. 

9 Do's and Don'ts of an In-Home Separation 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/509dffaf-09ed-449c-b383-b46300e93b42/transcript

It's a subject most of us would rather avoid—but sometimes, we have to face it head-on: separation in marriage. When might it be necessary, how do you do it with purpose, and why every rough patch isn't a reason to separate.

You’ll hear me break down the three main reasons I believe separation could be warranted—adultery, abuse, and addiction—and I’ll also share why things like boredom, apathy, or just feeling weary in your marriage are not strong enough reasons to walk away. I get real about my own story, including a time when Shaun and I tried in-home separation (spoiler alert: we did it all wrong!)

I also lay out the S.M.A.R.T goals framework—yes, the same one you hear about in business or personal development—as a step-by-step, purposeful plan to help you approach separation with clarity.

I also walk you through some practical conversations you need to have if you’re considering a separation: What about the kids? How should you handle finances? What’s the deal with sex or dating during a separation?

If you’re in a spot where you’re thinking about separating from your spouse, or maybe you know someone who is, this is the episode you need to hear.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Grab my free Conversation Starters for Couples in Conflict. 

Pick up my new book, Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples. An excellent resource for marriages in the middle, with practical strategies to help you build a thriving marriage—even after separation.

Think your spouse might be unfaithful or in the stages of rebuilding after an affair? Download my free resource: From Heartbreak to Healing: A 12-Step Affair Recovery Checklist.

 

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! 

It's a subject most of us would rather avoid&mdash;but sometimes, we have to face it head-on: separation in marriage. When might it be necessary, how do you do it with purpose, and why every rough patch isn't a reason to separate.
You&rsquo;ll hear me break down the three main reasons I believe separation could be warranted&mdash;adultery, abuse, and addiction&mdash;and I&rsquo;ll also share why things like boredom, apathy, or just feeling weary in your marriage are not strong enough reasons to walk away. I get real about my own story, including a time when Shaun and I tried in-home separation (spoiler alert: we did it all wrong!)
I also lay out the S.M.A.R.T goals framework&mdash;yes, the same one you hear about in business or personal development&mdash;as a step-by-step, purposeful plan to help you approach separation with clarity.
I also walk you through some practical conversations you need to have if you&rsquo;re considering a separation: What about the kids? How should you handle finances? What&rsquo;s the deal with sex or dating during a separation?
If you&rsquo;re in a spot where you&rsquo;re thinking about separating from your spouse, or maybe you know someone who is, this is the episode you need to hear.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Grab my free <a href="https://danache.com/conversationstarters">Conversation Starters for Couples in Conflict. </a>
Pick up my new book, <a href="https://danache.com/tried-and-true-book/">Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples.</a>&nbsp;An excellent resource for marriages in the middle, with practical strategies to help you build a thriving marriage&mdash;even after separation.
Think your spouse might be unfaithful or in the stages of rebuilding after an affair? Download my free resource: <a href="https://danache.com/affairchecklist">From Heartbreak to Healing:&nbsp;A 12-Step Affair Recovery Checklist.</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;

It's a subject most of us would rather avoid—but sometimes, we have to face it head-on: separation in marriage. When might it be necessary, how do you do it with purpose, and why every rough patch isn't a reason to separate.

How to Do Separation in Marriage the S.M.A.R.T Way

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/6c724f8a-bddd-406f-9e14-b4550165ad77/transcript

From Boundaries to Checkpoints: A Practical Plan for an Unexpected Marital Separation

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