Four Decisions for an Easier Marriage, The Power of Intentional Fun, Marriage Before Kids - w/ Arlene Pellicane

Show notes

About This Episode Marriage doesn't have to feel so hard. Aaron talks with Arlene Pellicane, author of Making Marriage Easier, about the four decisions she believes make a real difference: play by the rules, give thanks every day, serve one another, and take fun seriously. Arlene explains how to keep dragons small by naming problems early instead of letting them grow, and why a child enters the home but isn't meant to be its center. She shares how couples can build trust by talking honestly about sensitive topics, why gratitude changes the way you see your spouse, and simple habits she recommends: a daily hug when your spouse comes home, a monthly date night, and a yearly 24-hour getaway.

About Arlene Pellicane Arlene Pellicane is the author of ten books, including Making Marriage Easier, Parents Rising, and Screen Kids (co-authored with Dr. Gary Chapman). She hosts The Happy Home podcast and serves as a spokesperson for National Marriage Week. Arlene has been married 25 years and has three children.

In This Episode Four decisions for an easier marriage — play by the rules, give thanks, serve one another, take fun seriously Keeping dragons small — naming small problems before they grow Marriage before kids — why a child enters the home but isn't its center Honest communication — building trust by raising sensitive topics with each other Gratitude in marriage — how an attitude of thanks changes your perspective Taking fun seriously — a daily hug, a monthly date night, and a yearly 24-hour getaway Humor and differences — understanding your spouse's perspective Humility — the foundation for receiving feedback from your spouse

Resources from This Episode Free date night ideas: makingmarriageeasier.com Books: Making Marriage Easier, Parents Rising, and Screen Kids (with Dr. Gary Chapman) Podcast: The Happy Home Marriage After God Shop Full show notes and blog post

If this conversation encouraged you, please share it with a couple you love, and subscribe wherever you listen. Follow us on Instagram: Marriage After God · Unveiled Wife · Husband Revolution Want to go deeper? Become a patron and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together. Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026

New comment

Your name or nickname, will be shown publicly
At least 10 characters long
By submitting your comment you agree that the content of the field "Name or nickname" will be stored and shown publicly next to your comment. Using your real name is optional.