Description

What if the secret to transforming your marriage—and even your whole life—was as simple as deciding, right now, how you’ll respond to any situation?

Prepare to be surprised by the revolutionary concept Evan and Susan Money unpack in this episode of the Marriage of Greatness podcast: you can determine in advance to respond with love, no matter what.

In Episode 90, "Determine in Advance to Respond with Love," Evan and Susan dive deep into the power of making intentional choices before you face tough moments—whether that’s in your marriage, with your kids, coworkers, or even the people who test your patience the most. Drawing inspiration from author Tom Holladay, they reveal why responsibility (your ability to respond) is the true superpower for healthy, thriving relationships.

Key Highlights:

• Discover why the tool belt mentality doesn’t always work—and the magic that happens when you stop trying to “fix” and simply show up for your spouse.
• Real-life stories: Susan shares how a 20-year journey transformed the way she supports Evan in moments of stress, and how “verbal processors” in the family get exactly what they need.
• The life-changing impact of a 30-second greeting—and why Evan’s dog will never out-love him at the door!
• The science (and ease!) behind responding with a smile instead of a frown, and how a simple morning phrase can set your whole day—and marriage—on a path toward greatness.
• Tips for couples who work from home and practical, playful ways to make showing love a habit, not a chore.
• Plus: Why answering “How are you?” with “tremendous!” might just change the energy of your entire day.

Ready for simpler, more loving connections? Tune in to see how predetermining your responses can reset your marriage and relationships—one loving choice at a time.

Timestamped Episode Overview:

00:00 – Evan introduces the concept: you can choose in advance to respond with love

01:10 – Welcome, new listeners; a special shoutout and episode inspiration

01:58 – The groundbreaking advice from Tom Holladay: decide to respond with love, always

03:32 – Cold plunge analogy: embracing discomfort by predetermining your mindset

05:03 – Susan’s 20-year journey to healthier responses with Evan and their children

08:12 – Why men should ditch the “Mr. Fix It” mindset until asked

09:49 – Proactive communication: “Prehab is better than rehab”

10:27 – How to clarify what your spouse really needs after a long day

11:49 – Setting the tone: morning routines and gratitude

12:56 – Greeting your spouse: why Evan will always out-love the dog

15:27 – Loving greetings when you both work from home

16:40 – The male mindset and “mission mode”—how men can stop and show love

18:41 – Infusing fun into your marriage habits

19:51 – The power of positive answers to “How are you?” and the sacredness of enjoying life

20:58 – Why smiling beats frowning—literally

21:44 – Action steps: How will you put love into action this week?

21:56 – Outro and where to follow Evan & Susan’s 100 weddings journey

Don’t just listen—decide today how you’ll show up for the people you love. Your marriage (and your mood) will never be the same!