In this conversation, we talk about how to face the holidays as a united team rather than letting stress, schedules, or family expectations pull you apart. From setting shared expectations to finding ways to serve and dream together, these five simple principles can help you approach the season hand-in-hand, not back-to-back.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
How to set holiday expectations as a couple so you stay on the same page
Ways to make time for each other amid the busyness of family gatherings and events
How serving together can deepen your bond and create meaningful shared memories
The value of dreaming together before the new year begins
How to handle conflict with a "we vs. the problem" attitude

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Set expectations together. Talk about what kind of holiday season you both want — simple or busy, quiet or full of tradition — before the stress hits.
Spend dedicated time together. Guard your connection by scheduling couple time in advance, even if it means celebrating a little differently.
Serve others together. Volunteering or giving as a team strengthens your unity and creates shared purpose.
Dream together. Use the season to look ahead, set goals, and imagine what’s next for your marriage and family.
Face conflict together. When disagreements arise, remember you’re on the same team and approach conflict as us against the problem, not me vs. you.

US TIME CHALLENGE

Sit down together and set your holiday expectations as a couple. Talk about what you both want this season to look like — from traditions and travel to budgets and downtime — and then make a plan to help make that vision happen.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST

Stay connected with us beyond the show! Visit AshleighSlater.com for free marriage tools, updates on new podcast episodes, and to sign up for my weekly email newsletter.

TEAM US RESOURCES
Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

 

In this conversation, we talk about how to face the holidays as a united team rather than letting stress, schedules, or family expectations pull you apart. From setting shared expectations to finding ways to serve and dream together, these five simple principles can help you approach the season hand-in-hand, not back-to-back.
WHAT YOU&rsquo;LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
<ul>
<li>How to set holiday expectations as a couple so you stay on the same page</li>
<li>Ways to make time for each other amid the busyness of family gatherings and events</li>
<li>How serving together can deepen your bond and create meaningful shared memories</li>
<li>The value of dreaming together before the new year begins</li>
<li>How to handle conflict with a "we vs. the problem" attitude</li>
</ul>
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ol>
<li>Set expectations together. Talk about what kind of holiday season you both want &mdash; simple or busy, quiet or full of tradition &mdash; before the stress hits.</li>
<li>Spend dedicated time together. Guard your connection by scheduling couple time in advance, even if it means celebrating a little differently.</li>
<li>Serve others together. Volunteering or giving as a team strengthens your unity and creates shared purpose.</li>
<li>Dream together. Use the season to look ahead, set goals, and imagine what&rsquo;s next for your marriage and family.</li>
<li>Face conflict together. When disagreements arise, remember you&rsquo;re on the same team and approach conflict as us against the problem, not me vs. you.</li>
</ol>
US TIME CHALLENGE
Sit down together and set your holiday expectations as a couple. Talk about what you both want this season to look like &mdash; from traditions and travel to budgets and downtime &mdash; and then make a plan to help make that vision happen.
STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST
Stay connected with us beyond the show! Visit AshleighSlater.com for free marriage tools, updates on new podcast episodes, and to sign up for my weekly email newsletter.
TEAM US RESOURCES
<ul>
<li>Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (<a href="https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/">https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/</a>)</li>
<li>FREE Team Us Study Guide (<a href="https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/">https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/</a>)</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because they know they rise and fall as one.

Do you want a marriage like this? On each episode of the Team Us: Christian Marriage Podcast, married couple Ted and Ashleigh Slater come alongside you and your spouse as friends and mentors. They talk openly, honestly, and humorously about the betters and the worsts of their marriage, sharing how grace, commitment, cooperation, and lots of laughter have kept them united over the years.

Whether you’re newly married and desire to build a strong foundation, or you’ve been married longer and your relationship needs a little TLC, you’ll gain practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your Team Us.

Want more from Ted and Ashleigh? Visit https://ashleighslater.com/

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because they know they rise and fall as one. Do you want a marriage like this? On each episode of the Team Us: Christian Marriage Podcast, married couple Ted and Ashleigh Slater come alongside you and your spouse as friends and mentors. They talk openly, honestly, and humorously about the betters and the worsts of their marriage, sharing how grace, commitment, cooperation, and lots of laughter have kept them united over the years. Whether you&rsquo;re newly married and desire to build a strong foundation, or you&rsquo;ve been married longer and your relationship needs a little TLC, you&rsquo;ll gain practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your Team Us.
Want more from Ted and Ashleigh? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ashleighslater.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ashleighslater.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1734531595589000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LFlxWt0Zt3Sfr5fZIzek5">https://ashleighslater.com/</a>

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because...

Team Us: A Christian Marriage Podcast

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because they know they rise and fall as one.

Do you want a marriage like this? On each episode of the Team Us: Christian Marriage Podcast, married couple Ted and Ashleigh Slater come alongside you and your spouse as friends and mentors. They talk openly, honestly, and humorously about the betters and the worsts of their marriage, sharing how grace, commitment, cooperation, and lots of laughter have kept them united over the years.

Whether you’re newly married and desire to build a strong foundation, or you’ve been married longer and your relationship needs a little TLC, you’ll gain practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your Team Us.

Want more from Ted and Ashleigh? Visit https://ashleighslater.com/

The best marriages have a teamwork mentality. Spouses serve each other, support each other, and celebrate each other. They tackle life together, and when one slips, the other gives grace. Husbands and wives can be vulnerable with each other because they know they rise and fall as one. Do you want a marriage like this? On each episode of the Team Us: Christian Marriage Podcast, married couple Ted and Ashleigh Slater come alongside you and your spouse as friends and mentors. They talk openly, honestly, and humorously about the betters and the worsts of their marriage, sharing how grace, commitment, cooperation, and lots of laughter have kept them united over the years. Whether you&rsquo;re newly married and desire to build a strong foundation, or you&rsquo;ve been married longer and your relationship needs a little TLC, you&rsquo;ll gain practical, realistic ideas for strengthening your Team Us.
Want more from Ted and Ashleigh? Visit <a href="https://ashleighslater.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ashleighslater.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1734531595589000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2LFlxWt0Zt3Sfr5fZIzek5">https://ashleighslater.com/</a>

5 Simple Ways to Face the Holidays United in Your Marriage

In this episode, we explore the surprisingly powerful world of micro-habits—those tiny actions that take less than five minutes but, when repeated, create meaningful and lasting change in your marriage. From simple daily rituals to small moments of gratitude to chore-based love notes, you’ll discover how small things practiced often can strengthen connection, build warmth, and shape the overall direction of your relationship.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
What micro-habits are and why researchers say they matter
How 1% improvements compound into significant transformation over time
Why micro-moments help keep couples from slipping into “roommate mode”
Three daily micro-habits that build connection, gratitude, and emotional safety
Practical examples of how we use these habits in our own marriage

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Small habits practiced consistently create meaningful change over time.
Micro-moments protect connection and help couples avoid “roommate mode.”
Specific gratitude (“Thank you for…”) shifts focus toward what’s working.
Everyday chores can become tangible expressions of love.
Simple rituals—like hello, goodbye, and goodnight kisses—strengthen emotional and physical connection.

US TIME CHALLENGE

Choose one micro-habit and practice it every day this week. It can be one of the three we shared or be a micro-moment unique to your relationship. Consistency is the goal, not size. Let the small thing do its quiet, steady work.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST
Follow Ashleigh: Instagram @teamuspodcast | Facebook @ashleighslaterauthor
Subscribe to Team Us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you don’t miss an episode.
Join our community: Get updates, resources, and encouragement for your marriage by signing up for Ashleigh’s weekly email newsletter at AshleighSlater.com.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear (https://a.co/d/9kNsP4L)
“5 Micro-Moments That Predict the Health of Your Marriage” by Shlomo and Rivka Slatkin at the Marriage Restoration Project (https://themarriagerestorationproject.com/5-micro-moments-that-predict-the-health-of-your-marriage/)
“The Art of Micro-Routines: How 5-Minute Habits Can Transform Your Day” by Glossy Magazine (https://theglossymagazine.com/the-art-of-micro-routines-how-5-minute-habits-can-transform-your-day/)
“12 Micro Moves for Your Marriage” by Ted Lowe (https://allprodad.com/12-micro-moves-for-your-marriage/)

In this episode, we explore the surprisingly powerful world of micro-habits&mdash;those tiny actions that take less than five minutes but, when repeated, create meaningful and lasting change in your marriage. From simple daily rituals to small moments of gratitude to chore-based love notes, you&rsquo;ll discover how small things practiced often can strengthen connection, build warmth, and shape the overall direction of your relationship.
WHAT YOU&rsquo;LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li>What micro-habits are and why researchers say they matter</li>
<li>How 1% improvements compound into significant transformation over time</li>
<li>Why micro-moments help keep couples from slipping into &ldquo;roommate mode&rdquo;</li>
<li>Three daily micro-habits that build connection, gratitude, and emotional safety</li>
<li>Practical examples of how we use these habits in our own marriage</li>
</ul>
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ul>
<li>Small habits practiced consistently create meaningful change over time.</li>
<li>Micro-moments protect connection and help couples avoid &ldquo;roommate mode.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Specific gratitude (&ldquo;Thank you for&hellip;&rdquo;) shifts focus toward what&rsquo;s working.</li>
<li>Everyday chores can become tangible expressions of love.</li>
<li>Simple rituals&mdash;like hello, goodbye, and goodnight kisses&mdash;strengthen emotional and physical connection.</li>
</ul>
US TIME CHALLENGE
Choose one micro-habit and practice it every day this week. It can be one of the three we shared or be a micro-moment unique to your relationship. Consistency is the goal, not size. Let the small thing do its quiet, steady work.
STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST
<ul>
<li>Follow Ashleigh: Instagram @teamuspodcast | Facebook @ashleighslaterauthor</li>
<li>Subscribe to Team Us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you don&rsquo;t miss an episode.</li>
<li>Join our community: Get updates, resources, and encouragement for your marriage by signing up for Ashleigh&rsquo;s weekly email newsletter at AshleighSlater.com.</li>
</ul>
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li>Atomic Habits: An Easy &amp; Proven Way to Build Good Habits &amp; Break Bad Ones by James Clear (<a href="https://a.co/d/9kNsP4L">https://a.co/d/9kNsP4L</a>)</li>
<li>&ldquo;5 Micro-Moments That Predict the Health of Your Marriage&rdquo; by Shlomo and Rivka Slatkin at the Marriage Restoration Project (<a href="https://themarriagerestorationproject.com/5-micro-moments-that-predict-the-health-of-your-marriage/">https://themarriagerestorationproject.com/5-micro-moments-that-predict-the-health-of-your-marriage/</a>)</li>
<li>&ldquo;The Art of Micro-Routines: How 5-Minute Habits Can Transform Your Day&rdquo; by Glossy Magazine (<a href="https://theglossymagazine.com/the-art-of-micro-routines-how-5-minute-habits-can-transform-your-day/">https://theglossymagazine.com/the-art-of-micro-routines-how-5-minute-habits-can-transform-your-day/</a>)</li>
<li>&ldquo;12 Micro Moves for Your Marriage&rdquo; by Ted Lowe (<a href="https://allprodad.com/12-micro-moves-for-your-marriage/">https://allprodad.com/12-micro-moves-for-your-marriage/</a>)</li>
</ul>

3 Micro-Habits That Make Marriage Better

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/304a15f9-c430-4a78-afd0-b3b2000a1550/transcript

In a previous episode, we talked about the power of saying, “I’m sorry.” Today, we’re taking the next step and diving into forgiveness, specifically, what it looks like to forgive our spouse. Forgiveness isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to strengthen a marriage. In this episode, we explore what forgiveness really is (and isn’t), why it’s vital for lasting love, and how practicing it can lead to healing, trust, and deeper connection.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
Why forgiveness plays such a big role in happy, lasting marriages
What forgiveness truly means from both a biblical and relational perspective
Three things forgiveness is not and why those distinctions matter
How to navigate the process of forgiving when it still hurts
Practical ways to rebuild trust after forgiveness
How to think like a forgiving person and create a culture of grace in your marriage

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Forgiveness is a process, not a one-time decision.
Forgiveness doesn’t erase responsibility or instantly restore trust.
Choosing to forgive frees your heart from bitterness and opens space for connection.
Repair—not just resolution—is what rebuilds intimacy after conflict.
Thinking like a forgiver starts by asking God to help you see your spouse through His eyes.

US TIME CHALLENGE

This week’s challenge is to think about how you think. When your spouse does something that frustrates or hurts you, pause and ask yourself: Am I thinking like a forgiver or like a victim? Invite God to reshape your thoughts, helping you move toward grace and understanding.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST
Follow Ashleigh: Instagram @teamuspodcast | Facebook @ashleighslaterauthor
Subscribe to Team Us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you don’t miss an episode.
Join our community: Get updates, resources, and encouragement for your marriage by signing up for Ashleigh’s weekly email newsletter at AshleighSlater.com.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
“How Forgiveness Can Transform Your Marriage” by the Gottman Institute (https://www.gottman.com/blog/forgiveness-can-transform-marriage/)
“Real Answers to Real Relationship Questions” from Chad Moore at Sun Valley Community Church (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exzwsCITlVM)
“What the Bible Really Says About Love” from Chad Moore at Sun Valley Community Church (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQSMJWhRNFo)
“What forgiveness is not: 5 common misconceptions” by Laura Petherbridge (https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/what-forgiveness-is-not-5-common-misconceptions)
“The Art of Repair: Transforming Conflict Into Closeness” by Greg Smalley (https://www.klove.com/resources/life/the-art-of-repair-transforming-conflict-into-closeness-11585)

 

 

In a previous episode, we talked about the power of saying, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m sorry.&rdquo; Today, we&rsquo;re taking the next step and diving into forgiveness, specifically, what it looks like to forgive our spouse. Forgiveness isn&rsquo;t always easy, but it&rsquo;s one of the most powerful ways to strengthen a marriage. In this episode, we explore what forgiveness really is (and isn&rsquo;t), why it&rsquo;s vital for lasting love, and how practicing it can lead to healing, trust, and deeper connection.
WHAT YOU&rsquo;LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li>Why forgiveness plays such a big role in happy, lasting marriages</li>
<li>What forgiveness truly means from both a biblical and relational perspective</li>
<li>Three things forgiveness is not and why those distinctions matter</li>
<li>How to navigate the process of forgiving when it still hurts</li>
<li>Practical ways to rebuild trust after forgiveness</li>
<li> How to think like a forgiving person and create a culture of grace in your marriage</li>
</ul>
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ul>
<li>Forgiveness is a process, not a one-time decision.</li>
<li>Forgiveness doesn&rsquo;t erase responsibility or instantly restore trust.</li>
<li>Choosing to forgive frees your heart from bitterness and opens space for connection.</li>
<li>Repair&mdash;not just resolution&mdash;is what rebuilds intimacy after conflict.</li>
<li>Thinking like a forgiver starts by asking God to help you see your spouse through His eyes.</li>
</ul>
US TIME CHALLENGE
This week&rsquo;s challenge is to think about how you think. When your spouse does something that frustrates or hurts you, pause and ask yourself: Am I thinking like a forgiver or like a victim? Invite God to reshape your thoughts, helping you move toward grace and understanding.
STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST
<ul>
<li>Follow Ashleigh: Instagram @teamuspodcast | Facebook @ashleighslaterauthor</li>
<li>Subscribe to Team Us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you don&rsquo;t miss an episode.</li>
<li>Join our community: Get updates, resources, and encouragement for your marriage by signing up for Ashleigh&rsquo;s weekly email newsletter at AshleighSlater.com.</li>
</ul>
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li>&ldquo;How Forgiveness Can Transform Your Marriage&rdquo; by the Gottman Institute (<a href="https://www.gottman.com/blog/forgiveness-can-transform-marriage/">https://www.gottman.com/blog/forgiveness-can-transform-marriage/</a>)</li>
<li>&ldquo;Real Answers to Real Relationship Questions&rdquo; from Chad Moore at Sun Valley Community Church (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exzwsCITlVM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exzwsCITlVM</a>)</li>
<li>&ldquo;What the Bible Really Says About Love&rdquo; from Chad Moore at Sun Valley Community Church (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQSMJWhRNFo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQSMJWhRNFo</a>)</li>
<li>&ldquo;What forgiveness is not: 5 common misconceptions&rdquo; by Laura Petherbridge (<a href="https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/what-forgiveness-is-not-5-common-misconceptions">https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/what-forgiveness-is-not-5-common-misconceptions</a>)</li>
<li>&ldquo;The Art of Repair: Transforming Conflict Into Closeness&rdquo; by Greg Smalley (<a href="https://www.klove.com/resources/life/the-art-of-repair-transforming-conflict-into-closeness-11585">https://www.klove.com/resources/life/the-art-of-repair-transforming-conflict-into-closeness-11585</a>)</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Why Forgiveness Is Key to a Happier Marriage

The holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming. Between all of the shopping, decorating, and events, it’s easy for us as couples to stay busy without really connecting. In this episode, we share ten fun and affordable holiday date ideas to help you slow down, laugh together, and enjoy the season as a team. You’ll hear creative ways to make time for each other and find joy in everyday moments.

 KEY TAKEAWAYS
The holidays don’t have to be stressful or expensive to be meaningful.
Simple, shared experiences can bring you closer together.
Making time for each other is one of the best gifts you can give this season.

US TIME CHALLENGE

Come up with a holiday date idea of your own—something simple that fits you as a couple—and make it happen. Then share it with us at AshleighSlater.com or on social media! We’d love to hear how you’re making time for each other this Christmas.

STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST
Follow Ashleigh: Instagram @teamuspodcast | Facebook @ashleighslaterauthor
Subscribe to Team Us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you don’t miss an episode.
Join our community: Get updates, resources, and encouragement for your marriage by signing up for Ashleigh’s weekly email newsletter at AshleighSlater.com.

TEAM US RESOURCES
Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/)
FREE Team Us Study Guide (https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/)

 

The holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming. Between all of the shopping, decorating, and events, it&rsquo;s easy for us as couples to stay busy without really connecting. In this episode, we share ten fun and affordable holiday date ideas to help you slow down, laugh together, and enjoy the season as a team. You&rsquo;ll hear creative ways to make time for each other and find joy in everyday moments.
&nbsp;KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ul>
<li>The holidays don&rsquo;t have to be stressful or expensive to be meaningful.</li>
<li>Simple, shared experiences can bring you closer together.</li>
<li>Making time for each other is one of the best gifts you can give this season.</li>
</ul>
US TIME CHALLENGE
Come up with a holiday date idea of your own&mdash;something simple that fits you as a couple&mdash;and make it happen. Then share it with us at AshleighSlater.com or on social media! We&rsquo;d love to hear how you&rsquo;re making time for each other this Christmas.
STAY CONNECTED BEYOND THE PODCAST
<ul>
<li>Follow Ashleigh: Instagram @teamuspodcast | Facebook @ashleighslaterauthor</li>
<li>Subscribe to Team Us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you don&rsquo;t miss an episode.</li>
<li>Join our community: Get updates, resources, and encouragement for your marriage by signing up for Ashleigh&rsquo;s weekly email newsletter at AshleighSlater.com.</li>
</ul>
TEAM US RESOURCES
<ul>
<li>Team Us: The Unifying Power of Grace, Commitment, and Cooperation in Marriage (<a href="https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/">https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/</a>)</li>
<li>FREE Team Us Study Guide (<a href="https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/">https://ashleighslater.com/team-us/free-team-us-study-guide/</a>)</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

5 Simple Ways to Face the Holidays United in Your Marriage

In 1 playlist(s)

Team Us: A Christian Marriage Podcast

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips