Can an emotional affair be just as damaging as a physical one? Research says yes. Yet, the topic of emotional affairs is complex because of their impact on the psyche and the marriage. This episode (a sweet repeat of ep. 284) focuses on understanding, prevention, and healing, providing valuable insights for couples navigating this challenging terrain.

Key Highlights:

• Defining Emotional Affairs: What constitutes an emotional affair? We emphasize the need to clearly distinguish between emotional and physical affairs.

• Recognizing the Signs: Learn to identify the indicators of an emotional affair, such as inappropriate emotional investment or intimate sharing with someone outside your marriage.

• Research Insights: Research suggests that women are more likely to engage in emotional affairs. And other kinds of vulnerable people.

• The Role of Disconnection: Discover how disconnection within a marriage can lead to emotional affairs, often occurring in workplaces or through digital channels, where individuals present idealized versions of themselves.

• Normalizing Terms: We're critiquing casual terms like "work wife" that could normalize inappropriate emotional connections.

• Rebuilding Trust: For those who have experienced an emotional affair, we outline four crucial steps for rebuilding trust, emphasizing the importance of severing ties, honest communication, self-reflection, and establishing boundaries.

• Setting Boundaries: We discuss three boundary guidelines designed to prevent future issues.

• Cooperating in Rebuilding: Not all relationships may be able to withstand the impact of an emotional affair. Will yours?

Take Action:

• Get my brand-new course, Infidelity Intensive, a restoration roadmap for healing after infidelity.

Find the full show notes for this episode here.

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We're tackling a sensitive yet common issue in some marriages: what to do when your spouse’s hygiene (or lack thereof) is causing tension in your relationship. A listener wants to know how to respond without hurting their partner or furthering the disconnect.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s Not Uncommon: Hygiene issues are not as uncommon as one might think. Yet they can be a dealbreaker for many couples when it comes to physical closeness.

• Direct but Kind Communication: Be honest yet gentle. Approach the conversation with love—focus on how hygiene affects the closeness in your marriage rather than making accusations or using harsh language.

• The "We Over Me" Approach: Frame the issue as a shared problem impacting both spouses, not just a complaint from one person.

• Gift What You Want: Subtle actions like buying body wash, cologne, or tissues can serve as positive hints for change.

• Set Clear Boundaries: Define what you need (e.g., brushing teeth before kissing) and stick to those boundaries for your well-being.

Resources:

• Do you have a marriage or relationship question for Dana Che? Submit it at danache.com/contact or DM Dana on Instagram @mrsdanache.

• Check out the "Infidelity Intensive" online course for couples seeking restoration: danache.com/infidelityintensive.

Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As we continue our Healing After Infidelity series, a commonly asked yet sensitive topic is how to re-engage in sex after an affair. If you’ve experienced infidelity in your marriage, you’ve likely wondered this too.

I'm offering grounded, compassionate wisdom on when and how couples should consider re-engaging sexually after infidelity. With a blend of personal stories, biblical guidance, real-life coaching experiences, and practical steps, this episode aims to support couples in making informed, healthy decisions with restoration at the center.

What You’ll Learn

• Should you have sex after an affair? I address why immediately resuming sexual intimacy may not be healthy or helpful.

• The importance of time and boundaries: Why jumping back into sex too soon can lead to more harm, and why it’s not “sinful” to abstain while healing.

• Trust, safety & STI checks: The crucial steps every couple should take for health and peace of mind.

• Deconstructing sexual idols: How sex can become an unhealthy replacement for deeper intimacy following infidelity—and why this “idol” must be torn down before true restoration.

• Practical tips for re-engaging: When you’re ready, how to reintroduce sex in a safe, pressure-free way.

• Safety, boundaries, and autonomy: Advice for betrayed spouses if they feel pressured to resume sex, and the importance of reclaiming agency and setting healthy boundaries.

Resources & Next Steps

• FREE Masterclass: Register for “Beyond Betrayal: Three Keys to Healing After Infidelity”—available at danache.com/masterclass

• Upcoming Infidelity Course: Details and registration at danache.com/infidelityintensive

• Show notes & links: Find this episode’s resources at rebuildinguspodcast.com

Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen or on YouTube, and join the Rebuilding US community for ongoing support and encouragement.

Thank you for listening! If you found this episode helpful, remember to leave a review and share with anyone who might need this support.

Support the show: https://danache.com/donations/support-the-show/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.