About This Love Online

Let’s be real — marriage is a beautiful, messy, evolving journey. It’s full of love, laughter, and growth… but it also takes intentional effort to keep it strong. Over the years, we’ve learned (often through trial and error) that lasting love isn’t just about romance. It’s about the daily choices that build trust, connection, and partnership.

So what actually makes a marriage work? Here’s what we’ve discovered through our own 8+ years of experience:

1. Communication Is Everything
   If there’s one thing that holds the whole relationship together, it’s communication. Period.

And we don’t just mean the “How was your day?” type of talk — we’re talking about honest, vulnerable, heart-level conversations. Listening to understand. Asking questions. Being real with one another, even when it’s uncomfortable.

We’ve had times where one of us was quietly frustrated and the other had no clue — all because we didn’t talk it out. When we allow our assumptions to fill in the silence, that usually lead to misunderstanding.

The cure? Talk. Often. Honestly. Before small issues become big ones.

2. Intentional Time Creates Deeper Connection
   Life gets hectic — work, kids, bills, chores. It’s easy to slip into “roommate” mode. That’s why carving out real time together is a must. You don’t want to look up and you and your spouse have become two ships passing by in the night.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. A walk around the neighborhood. A phone-free dinner. Laughing at a show you enjoy together on the couch. When you’re truly present, that’s when real connection happens.

You don’t need more hours — you just need to be all-in for the moments you do have.

3. Talk About Money (Even When It’s Not a Problem)
   Money can be a touchy subject, but avoiding it doesn’t make it go away — it just adds silent tension.

We’ve found that regularly checking in about our finances helps us stay on the same page. Even when things are going smoothly, we ask questions like: Are we still aligned on our goals? Is this purchase worth it right now?

For instance, while planning a vacation recently, the first thing we asked each other was, “Can we really afford this?” That one question sparked a bigger convo about priorities, savings, and what we actually want this year to look like.

Money talks aren’t just practical — they’re relational.

4. Intimacy Isn’t Just Physical
   Intimacy in marriage goes beyond physical touch — it’s about emotional closeness, safety, and trust. And yes, physical intimacy matters too, but it thrives when there’s open communication, time spent together, and shared vulnerability.

When you feel seen and heard by your partner, it strengthens every other part of your relationship.

5. Growth Mindset Over Perfection
   There’s no such thing as a perfect couple. We’ve made mistakes, disagreed, and even hurt each other at times. But we’ve committed to growing together.

Marriage isn’t a destination — it’s a process. And when both people are willing to learn, forgive, and evolve, that’s when love deepens.

“We’re not perfect. No couple is. But when you’re committed to learning, communicating, and evolving — that’s where love grows.” – Dale About This Love Podcast ep. 71

Every marriage looks a little different, but the most successful ones we’ve seen (and the one we’re building) share some common values: open communication, intentional time, financial teamwork, emotional intimacy, and a desire to grow.

If you’re married, engaged, or even just thinking about what a healthy relationship looks like — we hope these insights help you reflect and grow together.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
What do you think is the most important key to a successful marriage?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below — we’d love to hear your take!

🎙️ Want to hear more? This post is inspired by a recent episode of the About This Love Podcast.