This week, I'm talking about why February magnifies stress and how silent expectations turn Valentine’s Day into a painful guessing game. I share three steps, speak hopes out loud, name no‑gos, and define success together, plus simple date ideas and thoughtful, affordable gifts.

• February’s emotional slump and money stress
• how silent expectations create resentment
• say what you want in clear, specific words
• name what you don’t want and offer alternatives
• collaborate on a shared definition of success
• low‑cost at‑home and out‑of‑home date ideas
• practical gifts: date night journal, restocks, roleplay
• honesty and safety as the path to intimacy

Go to https://monicatanner.com/51Questions and download some questions there.

Look up the Date Night Journal on Amazon or send me an email and I will send one right to you.

Restock or try Evree Intimate Massage Cream and get 14% off by using the code: LOVE at check out. https://evreesensation.com/moni

Or try a subscription to Faithful Fling Role-Play Dates here: Faithful Fling

Make sure you comment on social media or shoot me an email and let me know how your Valentine's Day ended up.

Send a text

This week, I'm sharing why generous effort can still miss the mark and how a simple meaning check turns intention into real connection. Practical scripts, everyday examples, and a clear path to feel loved without guesswork.

• early chemistry fading into real differences
• clashing stories and nervous system triggers
• feeling unloved versus being unloved
• problem solving versus emotional presence
• love as subjective; unique blueprints
• five love languages as a starting point
• the meaning check skill and script
• starting small and scaling to bigger topics
• appreciation to reinforce what works
• monthly reset to review what lands

If this episode resonates, please write a review for the podcast and share it with someone you love who could use this information.

Send us a text

In this interview with Dana Che, we break the myth that happy couples don’t fight and show how conflict, handled well, can deepen intimacy. We share mindset shifts, practical language, and simple steps to move from defensiveness to understanding.

• redefining conflict as a growth path
• the costs of avoidance and silent treatment
• modern marriage and renegotiating roles
• separating facts from feelings and stories
• understanding over agreement as the goal
• curiosity and vulnerability as a creation formula
• practical I statements and safer starts
• building trust to share real fears
• how to be genuinely curious, not performative
• scripts and next steps for tough talks

Check out Dana's new book here: Tried and True: Marriage Advice from 12 Imperfect Biblical Couples, https://TriedAndTrueMarriageBook.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to share it with a friend and join the conversation on Instagram.

Send us a text