The provided text is an article excerpt titled "Strong Together: Marriage Through Life Shifts" written by relationship coach and pastor Dr. Tom LaHue, whose work focuses partly on the Enneagram. The central purpose of the article is to offer guidance on how couples can strengthen their marriage when external circumstances, such as new jobs, moving, or fading friendships, create pressure.

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The article, penned by marriage and Enneagram coach Dr. Tom LaHue, promotes the concept of "little getaways" as a vital necessity for strengthening marital bonds. LaHue argues that short trips away from routine, whether for a night or a weekend, are essential for injecting new life and love into relationships often stuck on autopilot due to responsibilities like work and bills. He emphasizes that the anticipation of a trip alone creates happiness, and shared experiences build deeper connections than material possessions ever could.

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This article, written by Dr. Tom LaHue, a marriage coach and Enneagram YouTube personality, offers five actionable steps to strengthen a marriage. The author emphasizes that a strong marriage requires intentionality and effort, not passive waiting. Key recommendations include shifting from competition to collaboration, prioritizing curiosity over criticism, and scheduling regular affection to maintain closeness.

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Dr. Tom LaHue, a relationship expert and Enneagram specialist, emphasizes that effective listening is a crucial skill for a successful marriage, even more so than charm or intelligence. It distinguishes between passive hearing and active listening, highlighting that the latter involves understanding a spouse's perspective rather than preparing a rebuttal.

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Dr. Tom LaHue, a marriage coach, emphasizes that conflict is an inevitable part of marriage that should neither be sought nor completely avoided. Instead, couples are encouraged to approach disagreements with calmness, clarity, and a positive mindset to foster deeper connection rather than division.

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Dr. Tom LaHue, a life and marriage coach, focuses on the importance of cultivating friendship within a marriage. LaHue, married since 1991 with a large family, asserts that marriage should mirror the deep bond of a best friendship, a connection often overlooked by couples. He clarifies that being best friends doesn't eliminate disagreements but means enjoying each other's company, offering patience and grace, and prioritizing one another.

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Real love, the author emphasizes, necessitates the difficult but rewarding act of being fully seen and known by one's partner, even with imperfections. The article outlines practical steps for practicing vulnerability, such as honesty and admitting flaws, while also stressing the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries.

Dr. Tom LaHue, explores the crucial role of vulnerability in achieving true intimacy within relationships, particularly marriage. LaHue argues that people commonly wear "masks" of busyness, humor, or perfectionism to protect themselves from potential rejection, but these defenses ultimately prevent genuine connection. Real love, the author emphasizes, necessitates the difficult but rewarding act of being fully seen and known by one's partner, even with imperfections.

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