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.

Like the show? Be sure to give it a 5-star rating and write a great review!

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.

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.

What do you do when your spouse just won't say those three little words, "I love you"? A listener wrote in with this exact issue, sharing how her husband never actually says "I love you," even though it's her love language. She's looking for some advice, and I can actually relate to this.

It's important for us to hear "I love you," especially as children. I share a bit about my experience vs my hubby, Shaun's experience with these words. I also give you tips on how to use "I statements" to let your spouse know what you need without making them feel attacked. The key is explaining how you feel and what you need in a way that encourages positivity and open communication.

I also gave some advice to all you parents out there. Even if your kids roll their eyes or just hit you with a "thanks" or a text like, keep telling them you love them! It helps create a sense of belonging that we all need.

If you want to chat more or have questions you want me to tackle in a future episode, DM on Instagram or swing by my website. I’d love to hear from you!

Learn more about my Upcoming Masterclass: Beyond Betrayal

Like the show? Be sure to give it a five-star rating and write a great review!

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.

The aftermath of infidelity in marriage is painful, to say the least. Chances are you, or someone you know, is dealing with the fallout of an affair. Whether you're the betrayed or the betrayer, or if you're simply offering support to a loved one, this episode aims to provide practical guidance on navigating this tumultuous time.

It’s critical to acknowledge the emotional upheaval that accompanies the revelation of an affair. You're likely to experience a whirlwind of emotions—disappointment, fear, shame, anger, and sorrow, to name a few. Instead of avoiding these feelings, it’s important to validate these feelings. It’s perfectly normal to feel like a stranger to your own emotions. The key is recognizing that your marriage has suffered significant trauma, which requires both patience and understanding.

In this episode, we discuss the five critical decisions both the betrayed spouse and the unfaithful spouse should avoid making after infidelity comes to light.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Register for my upcoming masterclass: Beyond Betrayal

Want to go deeper? Learn more about my Infidelity Intensive Course

Ep. 334 - Our Advice to the Unfaithful Spouse - with Shaun Williams

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A husband wants help in seeing eye to eye with his wife, more specifically how they can be on the same page during disagreements. This is a common struggle in marriages: finding common ground despite a couple's differences. Understanding the purpose of communication is key here. Listen in as I remind this listener (and you) that it's not about agreeing on everything but about understanding one another's perspectives. I shared practical advice on aligning your values, choosing your battles wisely, and utilizing your different perspectives as strengths.

Highlights from the episode:

• Communication is about understanding, not just agreement.

• Find common values when facing different approaches to problem-solving.

• Use differences to your advantage for a stronger connection.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Ep. 296: Are You a Peacemaker or a "Peacefaker" in Your Relationship?

Join my upcoming free masterclass, "Beyond Betrayal: Three Keys to Healing After Infidelity."

Your questions and insights fuel our conversations—keep them coming! Reach out on Instagram or my website.

And be sure to give this podcast a five-star rating and write a great review!

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.

When an unfaithful spouse is discovered to have had an affair, there are certain things they need to do to repair the breach if they want to rebuild their marriage. My hubby, Shaun, is back on the podcast and is sharing his insights, as a former unfaithful spouse, and our journey through our season of infidelity. As ones who have walked this path, we want to offer guidance, especially to those who broke their marriage vows, and who might be facing this storm.

Key Takeaways include what "doing the work" on yourself and your marriage actually looks like, the importance of walking this journey with a skilled professional, taking inventory and accepting responsibility, and more.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Sign up for my FREE Masterclass: Beyond Betrayal: 3 Keys to Healing After Infidelity

Learn more about my online course, Infidelity Intensive

Ep. 326: Why Did This Happen? Healing After Infidelity

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Have you ever been concerned about your spouse's social media activities . . . or in our listener's case, lack of social media activities? I'm addressing a listener who feels unsettled that her husband never posts about her on social media and even occasionally unfollows her, while sharing other aspects of his life online.

Episode Highlights:

• Marriage Advice: I emphasize the importance of communication. Ask, don't assume your partner's intentions.

• Use "I statements" to express your feelings without being accusatory.

• Key Strategies:

  • Understand that everyone expresses affection differently, especially on public platforms like social media.

  • The significance of clear communication around personal expectations in a relationship is critical.

  • Directly address concerns with your spouse to gain clarity rather than making assumptions.

If you find yourself facing similar a marriage concern, this episode provides a blueprint for addressing issues with empathy and directness.

Resources Mentioned:

• Heart-to-Heart Conversation Starters: danache.com/conversationstarters

• Submit Your Marriage Questions

• It's Not You; It's Me: The I Statement Formula

Love the show? Be sure to give it a five-star rating and write a great review!

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.