Ep 150: Building Connection Through Appreciation: A Law Enforcement Family Perspective

This episode explores the power of appreciation and gratitude in law enforcement marriage, especially during times of high stress, shift changes, and burnout. Whether you're a police wife, police husband, or part of a first responder couple, you'll learn how to improve your police relationship through small, meaningful actions. Drawing from research by Dr. John Gottman, Dr. Sue Johnson, and Dr. Brené Brown, Cyndi explains how expressing appreciation fosters emotional safety, deepens trust, and helps couples weather challenges together. You'll hear real-life examples from police spouse life, along with practical ways to show gratitude — from heartfelt notes to quality time — plus details on the 14-day Marriage Appreciation Challenge created for police families.

Hosted by Cyndi Doyle, founder of Code4Couples®, licensed professional counselor supervisor, retired police spouse, and author of Hold the Line: The Essential Guide to Protecting Your Law Enforcement Relationship.

📥 Get Your Free 14-Day Appreciation Challenge → https://code4couples.com/appreciation

🎤 Book Cyndi for Training or Speaking → https://code4couples.com/training/ 

00:00 Intro & why appreciation matters in police marriage
01:00 The science behind gratitude in marriage
03:00 Building emotional safety for law enforcement couples
06:00 Practical marriage appreciation ideas
10:00 Family-based police spouse support activities
14:00 Creating an appreciation ritual in your relationship
16:00 How to support a partner in burnout
20:00 Final thoughts & challenge invitation