Dealmakers and Dealbreakers: Taking Ownership of Your Marriage

The Unspoken Wedding Day Advice That Silently Starves Marriages

In this episode of Doing Marriage Well (June 26, 2026), Paul examines how unspoken wedding‑day messages and cultural pressures promote sexual selfishness and quietly damage marriages. He explains sexual generosity—how it applies to both partners, why sometimes saying no is loving, and when yielding or pulling back can be the kinder choice. Paul challenges common narratives that encourage entitlement and offers a faith‑based prompt to ask God for guidance about making loving changes in your sexual relationship.

The Science of Wedded Bliss: What the Data Says About Generosity

This episode presents research on marital generosity, reporting a survey of 1,365 couples and related studies that show generosity is linked to higher marital satisfaction, lower conflict, and a reduced perceived risk of divorce. Generosity is defined as small acts of service, expressions of affection, displays of respect, and a willingness to forgive. The episode also notes religiosity and personal dedication to a partner predict greater generosity. Practical takeaway: pick one pillar—an act of service, an expression of affection, a display of respect, or letting a minor mistake go—and do it before the sun goes down to begin strengthening your marriage.

The Marmalade Trap: Why Your Generosity Might Be Missing the Mark

Using the "marmalade trap" as a metaphor, this episode explains why giving what you prefer can fail to bless the person you care about. True generosity means learning your spouse’s tastes, wants, and what will actually make them feel valued. The episode also covers common obstacles — people who won’t ask, who hide or don’t know their desires — and offers practical advice: watch what makes your partner light up and give more of that. Giving what is most wanted is doing marriage well.

The Baseline of Grace: Generosity When You Least Feel Like It

In this episode Paul explains why steady generosity—not just when you feel like it—is one of the most powerful practices in marriage. He urges listeners to set a minimum standard of kindness and give even when tired, stressed, or when the other person seems undeserving. Grounded in a Christian perspective, the message encourages calling on God’s help, protecting your limits, and deciding to be generous as a consistent choice that can change a relationship over time.

The Debt of Grace: Why Generosity Should Start at Home

Paul and Lori revisit the roots of their message, defining generosity biblically and reflecting on the parable of the unmerciful servant to show why grace demands generosity toward those closest to us. They explain that generosity is joyful, sacrificial, and willing sharing of time, talents, and resources, and challenge listeners to evaluate where they are generous at home and to change their marriages by practising generosity daily.