Catholic therapist Doug Hinderer explores what it means to build a virtuous friendship in marriage –one rooted in genuine love, emotional safety, and a desire for each other’s good. Responding to a listener who felt she and her husband “never built that kind of friendship,” Doug offers a hopeful reminder: it’s never too late to start over.

He encourages couples to invest just 15 minutes a day – a “daily 1% investment” – to reconnect and grow closer. Using tools like Dr. John Gottman’s Love Maps and Open-Ended Questions, spouses can deepen their understanding of one another’s inner world. Doug also stresses the importance of emotional safety, which begins by eliminating criticism and replacing it with affirmation, gratitude, and simple words of encouragement like, “I’m proud of you.” Through small, consistent efforts and a renewed focus on empathy and curiosity, Doug shows that every couple can rebuild trust, rekindle connection, and form the kind of friendship that sustains lifelong love.

Listen to Marriage Unhindered with Doug Hinderer on the Relevant Radio app, LIVE each weekday at 5pm CT.

Catholic therapist Doug Hinderer explores what it means to build a virtuous friendship in marriage &ndash;one rooted in genuine love, emotional safety, and a desire for each other&rsquo;s good. Responding to a listener who felt she and her husband &ldquo;never built that kind of friendship,&rdquo; Doug offers a hopeful reminder: it&rsquo;s never too late to start over.
He encourages couples to invest just 15 minutes a day &ndash; a &ldquo;daily 1% investment&rdquo; &ndash; to reconnect and grow closer. Using tools like Dr. John Gottman&rsquo;s&nbsp;Love Maps and Open-Ended Questions, spouses can deepen their understanding of one another&rsquo;s inner world. Doug also stresses the importance of emotional safety, which begins by eliminating criticism and replacing it with affirmation, gratitude, and simple words of encouragement like, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m proud of you.&rdquo;&nbsp;Through small, consistent efforts and a renewed focus on empathy and curiosity, Doug shows that every couple can rebuild trust, rekindle connection, and form the kind of friendship that sustains lifelong love.
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Listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/our-shows/marriage-unhindered/">Marriage Unhindered</a> with Doug Hinderer on the <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">Relevant Radio app</a>, LIVE each weekday at 5pm CT.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.