Understanding the Honeymoon Phase and the Seven-Year Itch

The WinShape Marriage Podcast

What does the “honeymoon phase” mean? What about the “seven-year itch?” Do all couples experience them? Is there scientific evidence behind them, or are these made-up phrases? Rob Philo breaks down these two phrases and more with Julie Baumgardner, senior director of WinShape Marriage, and Dr. David Banks, marriage author and speaker. Learn practical advice from two experts on how to navigate these seasons well with your spouse. And if you’ve surpassed the early years of marriage, don’t count this episode out—there are plenty of great reminders for having a healthy, thriving marriage for the long haul.

Note: This conversation is focused on building a healthy, thriving marriage. If you are experiencing abuse in your marriage, or someone you know is, contact the National Hotline for Domestic Abuse. If someone is monitoring your device, call the hotline 24/7 at 1−800−799−7233. Learn more about what defines an abusive relationship.

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Time Stamps:

(1:30) What does the “honeymoon phase” mean

(4:30) What is going on “chemically” in your body in the early years of marriage

(7:23) What to look out for when you’re approaching the two-year mark

(10:48) Strategies to maintain connection beyond the two-year mark

(15:35) Rhythms to set up to play again in your marriage

(22:50) Common myths newly married couples believe that aren’t true

(37:00) What does the “seven-year itch” mean

(41:56) Is the “seven-year itch” inevitable and what to look out for when you’re approaching the seven-year mark

(43:24) Advice for the couple experiencing the “seven-year itch”

(46:28) One piece of advice for any couple regardless how long they’ve been married

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Links:

Proverbs 23:7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2023%3A7&version=KJV

Proverbs 27:12 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027%3A12&version=ESV

WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/

WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/

WinShape Marriage Retreats https://marriage.winshape.org/retreats/

Pastor & Ministry Leader Retreats https://marriage.winshape.org/ministry-retreats/

Spark deeper conversation with your spouse related to the episode with our free discussion questions. https://marriage.winshape.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/10/WSMPodcastDiscussionQuestions-S2Ep6.pdf

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Relevant Resources:

“90 Date Ideas for Couples” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/90-date-ideas-for-couples/

“How To Find a Marriage Counselor” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/how-to-find-a-marriage-counselor/

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Relevant Episodes:

The Secret Ingredient To Staying Connected https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdK9Mm-Qo4o&t=930s

Making Your Marriage Fun Again! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjZQkSDz3UA&t=2232s