What does it take to stay together—not just through the good times, but through unimaginable grief? In this deeply moving episode, Michael and Robin open up about their 30-year journey of partnership, from early friendship and blended family life to the devastating loss of Michael’s daughter.

With raw honesty and hard-won wisdom, they share how they rebuilt trust, leaned into personal growth, and stayed connected even when everything around them was falling apart. Along the way, they offer powerful tools for communication, reflection, and healing that have helped them sustain intimacy over three decades.

Whether you're in a long-term relationship or navigating love after loss, this episode is a testament to what's possible when two people choose each other—over and over again.

00:00 – Intro: Love, Loss & Longevity
Welcome to the episode and a brief intro to Michael & Robin’s 30-year journey of partnership and healing.

02:11 – The Early Years: Friendship Before Romance
Michael and Robin share how their relationship began as colleagues and friends—and how the spark slowly turned to love.

05:45 – Becoming a Couple: Learning to Trust Again
Navigating early fears, family blending, and the pivotal moment Robin said “yes” to moving in.

09:30 – A Marriage Formed by Fire
They recall the early days of marriage, co-parenting challenges, and the emotional work required to stay committed.

14:12 – Tragedy Strikes: The Loss That Changed Everything
Michael and Robin open up about the devastating loss of Michael’s daughter and the grief that nearly tore them apart.

18:40 – Choosing to Stay: Healing in the Hardest Times
What it meant to stay together during grief—and how their marriage became a container for healing.

22:30 – Tools That Transformed Us: From Reactivity to Repair
The couple shares a favorite communication tool that helped them transform conflict into connection.

27:15 – Growing Up Together
How their individual personal growth work influenced their relationship—and how they learned to grow together.

30:40 – The Power of Perspective: Seeing Each Other Clearly
They discuss the gift of being truly seen by your partner, and the “long game” of intimacy.

35:20 – What Keeps the Spark Alive After 30 Years
Michael and Robin reflect on how they continue to nurture intimacy, play, and connection over the decades.

39:55 – Final Thoughts: Love as a Practice
Closing reflections on what love looks like now, and their hopes for other couples navigating love and loss.

How healthy is your relationship? Take the FREE Relationship Quiz and find out. https://couples.solutions/ Want to learn a couple of tools to upgrade your connection? Attend the two-hour Introduction to True Love. https://couples.solutions/intro/ Partner reluctant to participate? Transform your relationship on your own.

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