In this honest conversation, I’m joined by my husband, Brian, as we unpack the expectations we carried into our first marriages—and how they shaped what came after. We share the beliefs that didn’t hold up, the lessons we learned the hard way, and the realities of marriage no one really talks about. If you’ve ever wondered why love feels different than you expected, this episode will help you understand what’s actually going on and what it takes to build something stronger the second time around.🔗 Website: www.monarchforlove.com 📘 Book: www.awakenedheartsbook.com Instagram: @Monarchforlove TikTok @monarchforlove

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Ep. 212 - How Retirement Changes Your Marriage

Monarch for Love is where heart meets humor, healing, and a whole lot of honesty. I’m Michelle Hays, a Heart-Centered Marriage Coach, Columnist, Author, Speaker, and lover of big feelings and even bigger breakthroughs. Around here, we talk about what really happens after “I do."Think of this podcast as your weekly dose of soul food for relationships: part pep talk, part permission slip, and part practical guide to building love that lasts. Whether you’re navigating unmet expectations, emotional distance, or just trying to keep the romance alive between laundry loads and life’s chaos—I got you.Because love isn’t something you find or lose. It’s something you choose. And when you choose love on purpose, something beautiful happens: you feel seen, safe, and truly connected. Come be part of a heart-forward community of listeners who are learning, laughing, and loving on purpose because your marriage deserves more than just survival—it deserves to thrive!