How to Cultivate Lasting Love

Dino Petrone is a senior software engineer. He’s logical and analytical. His wife Ashley is creative. She’s a stay-at-home mom who runs a social media business called Arrows and Bow, which incorporates home design tips and her family’s spiritual journey.

Their differences drew them together, then pushed them apart, then drew them back together again.

When Dino and Ashley began dating, they spent every minute that they were together talking and laughing. They messaged each other constantly when they were apart. They shared the same sense of humor, held the same values, and connected soul-to-soul.

A few months after their wedding, Dino and Ashley were living parallel lives and felt disconnected. Dino played video games all night after work. Ashley felt alone in a new town, hours away from family and friends and compensated by repeatedly redecorating their home. Both behaviors led to conflict.

The Petrones eventually found relief from their conflict by talking to a counselor who helped Dino discover that his nonstop video gaming was communicating to Ashley that she wasn’t a priority. And Ashley discovered that her obsession with shopping was making Dino feel unheard and harming their family finances.

Dino and Ashley are joining me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to share their story and offer tips for building healthy, life-giving relationships in your marriage. Learn how to blend your values and priorities as a couple — like navigating the landscape of a video game or picking the right color scheme for your home.

Hear our full conversation on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

If your marriage is a struggle, we have caring, Christian counselors who will listen, pray with you, and get you on a path toward healing and hope. They’ll also direct you to additional resources in your area if necessary. Call us, leave your name and number, and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Dino and Ashley Petrone’s book Designed to Last: Our Journey of Building an Intentional Home, Growing in Faith, and Finding Joy in the In-Between is available for a gift of any amount. For more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).