Something Like Marriage

It can be an adventure when finding common interests as a couple. Every relationship is like a unique fingerprint. Talking about your interests can lead to more adventures together whether that is trying out a new restaurant or a new country. The possibilities are endless and up to you two.

Fulltime RV living has been a loving choice for our family with the benefits outweighing the difficulties. Today, we talk about how we have adapted to the challenges of RV living with kids year-round in a camper amidst the critters, freezing rain, and weekend cookouts in our bedroom.

We continue to live in an RV with our kids because of the rewards of simplicity, minimalism, and having a family-centered life where we focus on the present.

Living in an RV full time with a family of six began for us in 2011. We have been traveling with our four kids in the motorhome ever since. RV living with our family was motivated by a marriage crisis and our need to heal our family life. 

Discussing roles in relationship around conversation. Jon thought Jema wanted him to solve her problems, while Jema just wanted to be heard and affirmed.

How do you share embarrassing situations with your partner or spouse? Jon and Jema talk about how they dealt with embarrassment in the past, and in their present relationship. It's just a little embarrassing.

Part three of the depression series. Jema discusses what was helpful for her in healing her depression through self-care and therapy. Jon educated himself on depression and realized he was challenged with codependency as a spouse.

In this relationship podcast, Jema answers what is it like to be depressed? Jema shares her story of depression, shame, and motherhood.

Depression has always been part of Jon and Jema's relationship. Jema has struggled with depression all of her life, especially during the gray winter months in Minnesota. On this episode, Jema shares her journey with depression and Jon shares what it is like to feel like the helpless spouse.

Giving gifts in a relationship comes with expectations. We attach meaning to gifts about ourselves and the giver. This can create conflict or connection.

We unravel simplifying gift giving for couples during the holidays and our history of miscommunication during Christmas. It's all about clear expectations.

Becoming a gentle observer allows us to stay peaceful in stressful situations and especially during the holidays. Sometimes cookies help too.

In the spirit of keeping Portland weird, we attend Air Guitar Championships and discover the fun of experiencing a weird date night.

Why does she keep telling me what to do? A nagging woman is trying to communicate a need. We talk about how to stop nagging in a relationship.

How do you decide how many points chores, childcare, or work get? Keeping score was part of our relationship, especially when parenting entered our marriage.