201. Step Up Enjoyment and Safeguard Your Relationship by Taking FUN Seriously [w/Rich & Christa Clark]

How serious are you about creating enjoyment and fun in your relationship (and in your home)?

You probably started off your relationship experiencing lots of enjoyment as you were getting to know each other and falling in love.  But as the busyness and stress of blended family life set in, maybe your enjoyment started to wane a bit. 

The truth is, if you want to increase enjoyment and safeguard your relationship, then you've got to take FUN seriously!

Our friends Rich and Christa blended their family 13 years ago.  Although they've had their share of ups and downs, they've managed to make fun a top priority…

…and they've reaped the benefits of deep connection, laughter, and genuine enjoyment in their relationship (and in their home).

Rich and Christa are on a mission to strengthen marriages and families in a culture that's losing hope.  They want to help couples avoid the tragedy of divorce and enjoy a thriving marriage full of joy, friendship, and fun.

Join us for a raucous conversation as Rich and Christa share practical — and serious — ways they've discovered to increase fun and how you can do the same.

What You’ll Learn

• Why fun is a safeguard for your marriage and how it deepens connection.
• How to create a family culture of fun, even in challenging stepfamily dynamics.
• The importance of “micro-moves of fun” and small intentional gestures.
• Practical ways to align your schedule and priorities to boost enjoyable couple time.
• How to balance personal expectations with the realities of blended family life.

Resources Mentioned

• Episode 200.  A Heart-to-Heart Conversation Exploring the Secrets to Lasting Love 
• Click here to connect with Rich and Christa
• Book by John Gottman:  7 Principles for Making Marriage Work
• Book by Sam Jolman:  The Sex Talk You Never Got
• Click here to learn more about Weekend to Remember marriage events
• To learn more about our Relate Strong program, CLICK HERE to schedule your FREE coaching call
• Episode 136. How to Intentionally Create Positive Family Time and Reduce Relational Tension
• Episode 146. Friendship and Connection or Friction and Distance - what's the state of your relationship?

Actionable Takeaways

1. Define Your Fun: Identify activities you and your spouse enjoy and prioritize them in your schedule.
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s playful traditions like funny birthday cake messages or silly rituals, embrace the small moments.
3. Move at Your Child’s Pace: Honor your stepchild’s readiness for connection without pushing. Small cracks in the door can lead to big breakthroughs over time.
4. Model Connection: Let your kids see you laughing and enjoying each other—it’s a powerful way to teach them about healthy relationships.
5. Invest in Growth: Attend retreats, read books together, or explore coaching programs to strengthen your marriage and family bonds.

Join us on April 5th for Blended & Blessed!  Click here:  https://www.blendedandblessed.com/