By: Emily Miller
“I was sure that was it,” Robin Temple vividly remembered about a tragic moment early in her relationship with G Michael Moore. “I thought, there’s no reason he’d possibly stick around for this.” But he did stay. Michael chose commitment and care over walking away. This decision created a foundation for their relationship that has since inspired thousands.
Robin Temple and Mike Moore, co-founders of Couples.Solutions, recently shared their story on an episode of Dirty Laundry with Byron & Brittney. With over 70 years of combined experience helping couples, their advice comes from both professional skills and personal challenges. One of their hardest trials was coping with the loss of Robin’s son early in their relationship.
The Power of Listening: Why Taking Turns Matters
On the podcast, Robin and Michael stressed that intentional communication is essential for lasting happiness. “Communication is this all important thing,” Robin explained, “but the first step is you have to take turns—take turns being the speaker and the listener.”
Couples often talk without truly listening. This can lead to frustration and resentment. Robin advises couples to communicate with openness and curiosity, not defensiveness.
How Expressing Gratitude Can Transform Your Relationship
Michael recommended a practical daily habit—expressing gratitude. He explained, “It’s just a practice of gratitude—expressing what we appreciate, value, and love about each other, taking a few minutes every day.”
Some couples might find this structured practice awkward at first. But Michael emphasized how effective it is for creating positivity and emotional resilience. Robin and Michael themselves practice daily gratitude, which has strengthened their relationship over time.
Emotional Accountability: A Game Changer for Couples
Another important insight they shared is handling conflicts that seem impossible to resolve. Robin believes most ongoing arguments happen because partners misunderstand each other’s intentions.
She admitted, “I can get the upper hand by thinking, ‘Look how you’re talking to me—you’re being a jerk.’ Therefore, I don’t have to listen to what you’re really upset about.”
The solution, according to Robin, involves each partner acknowledging their own role in the conflict. They call this emotional accountability.
Why Growth Is Essential in Every Relationship
Robin and Michael agreed that relationships naturally include constant growth. They explained how partners inevitably trigger each other’s vulnerabilities. Instead of seeing this negatively, they encourage couples to see it as a chance to mature.
“It’s not like I’ve been doomed to be with this person who’s really difficult for me,” Michael remarked, “Actually, maybe this is the perfect person if I’m committed to being a full-on grownup.”
Taking Care of Yourself as an Act of Love
The couple also highlighted self-care as a foundational but frequently ignored part of relationship health.
“One of the most profound acts of love I can offer to Robin is doing what I need to do to be healthy and well myself,” Michael emphasized.
Love That Endures: How Robin and Michael Make It Work
Robin and Michael ended by reminding listeners that successful relationships are possible. Couples must commit to learning, growth, and using practical skills. Their own journey shows how love, combined with deliberate action, can overcome tragedy and lead to lasting happiness.
Published by Joseph T.
