Familiar Stranger - The One I Thought I Knew Pt 1 (Marriage Reset Series) - 247

We've all felt it—that subtle shift when the person sleeping next to you starts feeling more like a housemate than a soulmate. The passionate connection that once defined your relationship has been replaced by practical coexistence, separate routines, and conversations limited to household logistics.

Our new series "Marriage Reset" begins with an honest exploration of how marriages drift from deep connection to mere cohabitation. Through the story of Caleb and Lena—marriage experts who found themselves emotionally disconnected despite their professional knowledge—we examine the gradual process that transforms loving partners into familiar strangers.

Drawing from Scripture, relationship research, and our own painful journey back from the brink of divorce, we unpack the concept of "little foxes" from Song of Solomon—those small, seemingly insignificant issues that quietly erode a marriage foundation when left unaddressed. These aren't dramatic betrayals but subtle neglects: conversations that never happen, affection that goes unexpressed, and dreams that remain unshared.

Research reveals startling statistics: 40-50% of first marriages end in divorce, with "growing apart" consistently among the top reasons cited. But what causes this drift? We dive into multiple studies highlighting the five key areas where marriages typically struggle: sexual connection, conflict resolution, communication, shared responsibility, and quality time together.

Our own busy lives—juggling full-time jobs, ministry work, podcast production, and family responsibilities—could easily have pulled us permanently apart had we not recognized the warning signs. We share the intentional practices that have helped us maintain connection despite overwhelming schedules, from never leaving without a goodbye kiss to making space for each other's interests.

This episode isn't just about identifying problems but starting the journey toward reconnection. If you've felt that growing distance in your marriage or want to prevent it from happening, this series will provide practical wisdom for transforming your relationship from a practical arrangement back into the soul-deep connection it was meant to be.