Bad Eternal Marriage Advice | An Interview with Monica Tanner

Monica Tanner is an RLT-trained relationship coach and host of the "Secrets of Happily Ever After" podcast. She transforms marriages with simple communication, connection, conflict resolution, and commitment strategies. Her mission is to lower the divorce rate and improve marital satisfaction. Through her podcast, social media community, couple’s coaching practice, and new book—Bad Marriage Advice, Monica has helped thousands of couples ditch resentment and roommate syndrome and get back to living their happily-ever-after love story. In the Church, Monica serves in the Young Women program with two of her daughters. Links MonicaTanner.com Bad Marriage Advice Share your thoughts in the Leading Saints community Transcript coming soon Get 14-day access to the Core Leader Library Highlights Monica shares insights on the importance of communication in marriage, noting that many couples express a need for help in this area. They discuss the dynamics of relationships, emphasizing that both partners must actively engage in the marriage to foster a healthy connection. The episode also touches on the stigma surrounding seeking help for marital issues within the Latter-day Saint community, where some may feel that divorce is not an option, leading to feelings of entrapment. Monica explores common misconceptions about marriage, such as the idea that "happy couples never fight." They argue that conflict is a natural part of any relationship and that learning to navigate disagreements is crucial for growth. The discussion also addresses the problematic advice of "never go to bed angry," suggesting that sometimes it is healthier to take a break and revisit issues with a fresh perspective. Throughout the episode, the importance of choice in marriage is emphasized. Monica encourages couples to view their relationship as a partnership where both individuals actively choose to be together, rather than feeling obligated due to covenants or societal expectations. They advocate for open communication and the necessity of seeking help when needed, highlighting that doing so is a sign of strength and commitment. 00:03:19 - Common Marriage Struggles Monica discusses the prevalent issues couples face, particularly around communication and faith transitions. 00:04:54 - The Empty Nest Phenomenon Exploration of the challenges couples face when their children leave home, leading to potential relationship reevaluation. 00:06:27 - Advice for Struggling Couples Monica offers guidance for couples who feel tension in their marriage but may not have the resources for therapy. 00:08:34 - Unique Aspects of Latter-day Saint Marriages Discussion on the stigma around seeking help for marriage issues within the Latter-day Saint culture. 00:10:55 - The Concept of Choice in Marriage Exploration of how the perception of being "locked in" to a marriage can affect relationship dynamics. 00:12:22 - Agency and Choice in Relationships Monica emphasizes the importance of making daily choices in marriage and the role of agency in relationships. 00:14:27 - The Importance of Communication Discussion on the necessity of open communication in marriage and the dangers of complacency. 00:16:12 - Navigating Divorce Conversations Insights on how church leaders can approach discussions about divorce and the importance of not feeling trapped. 00:18:10 - Infidelity and Marriage Recovery Monica shares perspectives on how infidelity can sometimes lead to positive changes in a marriage. 00:20:22 - The Role of Church Leaders Advice for church leaders on how to support couples in distress without overstepping their boundaries. 00:22:25 - Community Support in Marriage The importance of community support and sharing experiences to help couples feel less isolated. 00:24:35 - The Reality of Marriage Dynamics Discussion on the complexities of marriage and the need for both partners to actively engage in the relationship.