Relating with Jen Funk: Getting Honest About the Relationships that Matter Most

Jen Funk
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Relating with Jen Funk! I’m Jen - a wife of 24 years, mom of three, and Certified Life & Relationship Coach who believes we need love AND skills to create better relationships. Each week we’ll get real about the ups and downs of marriage, family, and all the relationships that matter most. I’ll share simple strategies, tools, and encouragement to help you feel more connected, supported, and confident in building the relationships you truly want.

  1. 3d ago

    Ep. 43 Healthy Relationship Boundaries: How Couples Decide What's Ok (And What Isn't)

    Who decides what's acceptable in a relationship? Should you be friends with an ex? Share passwords? Have close friends of the opposite sex? Follow attractive people on social media? Everyone seems to have an opinion - but healthy relationships aren't built on universal rules. They're built on agreements that work for the two people in the relationship. In this episode, relationship coach Jen Funk explains how to stop arguing about who's right and start creating boundaries that build trust, emotional safety, and connection. You'll learn why most couples focus on the wrong conversation, the four questions every couple should ask before setting a boundary, and how to create agreements that protect your relationship instead of damaging it. Whether you're dating, engaged, or married, this episode will help you have healthier conversations about trust, privacy, jealousy, and respect. In this episode you'll learn: • Why there are no universal relationship rules• The difference between boundaries and control• Why couples argue about the wrong things• How to identify what's underneath boundary conflicts• The difference between privacy and secrecy• Four questions to help create healthy relationship boundaries• Why compromise doesn't always mean both people are happy If this episode helped you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who could benefit. Connect with Jen:🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💌 Weekly newsletter + relationship tips: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download Jen’s free guide:5 Simple Habits to Improve Your Relationship Today ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/5simplehabits

    17 min

  2. Jun 25

    Ep. 42 People Won't Remember What You Did... But They Will Remember This | How to Make those You Love Feel Valued

    Have you ever stopped to think about how the people you love experience you? Years from now, they probably won't remember every gift you gave them or every favor you did. But they will remember how you made them feel. In this episode, I share why making people feel valued may be one of the most powerful things we can do in our relationships - and three simple habits that can strengthen your marriage, deepen friendships, improve communication, and create stronger connections with the people who matter most. These aren't complicated relationship strategies. They're small, intentional actions that help people feel important, appreciated, and genuinely cared for. In this episode, you'll learn:• Why emotional experiences shape our relationships• How everyday interactions build (or weaken) connection• Three practical ways to make people feel valued• Why attention may be the greatest gift you can give someone• A simple challenge to strengthen your relationships this week If you've been looking for practical relationship advice that you can start using today, this episode is for you. If you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love for you to follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone you care about. Connect with Jen:🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠💌 Weekly newsletter + relationship tips:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Download Jen’s free guide:5 Simple Habits to Improve Your Relationship Today⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/5simplehabits

    14 min

  3. Jun 18

    Ep. 41 Jealousy Isn't the Problem: What Your Jealousy Is Trying to Tell You

    Have you ever felt jealous and immediately judged yourself for it? Maybe your partner is getting close to a coworker. Maybe a friend is spending more time with someone else. Maybe someone you know has achieved something you've always wanted for yourself. Most of us have been taught that jealousy is a bad emotion -something that means we're insecure, controlling, needy, or lacking confidence. But what if we've been looking at jealousy all wrong? In this episode, I challenge the idea that jealousy is the "green-eyed monster" and explore why jealousy may actually be one of the most misunderstood emotions we experience. We'll talk about: ✔️ Why jealousy doesn't automatically mean you're insecure✔️ How jealousy can reveal relationship boundaries that need attention✔️ The difference between a real threat and a perceived threat✔️ When jealousy is pointing to a fear, wound, or insecurity inside of us✔️ How jealousy can reveal dreams, desires, and values we've been ignoring✔️ Four powerful questions to ask yourself when jealousy shows up Because jealousy isn't necessarily a problem to solve. Sometimes it's information worth understanding. If you've ever struggled with jealousy in your relationship - or judged yourself for feeling it - this episode will help you approach the emotion with more curiosity, compassion, and clarity. This episode answers questions like: Why am I so jealous?Is jealousy normal in relationships?Does jealousy mean I'm insecure?How do I stop feeling jealous?What causes jealousy?Are boundaries important in relationships?How can I communicate jealousy without sounding controlling?What is healthy jealousy? Connect with Jen:🌐 ⁠⁠⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com⁠⁠⁠💌 Weekly newsletter + relationship tips:⁠⁠⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Download Jen’s free guide:5 Simple Habits to Improve Your Relationship Today⁠⁠⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/5simplehabits

    19 min

  4. Jun 11

    Ep. 40 Why You Keep Having the Same Fight: The Missing Step After Conflict

    Have you ever had an argument, agreed to "move on," and then found yourself still thinking about it weeks later? In this episode of Relating with Jen Funk, relationship coach Jen Funk explains the critical difference between resetting after conflict and actually repairing after conflict - and why so many couples get stuck repeating the same arguments over and over again. Many couples believe that ending the conversation means the problem is solved. But when hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and emotional injuries aren't repaired, resentment begins to build. Over time, those unresolved hurts create emotional distance, reduce trust, and leave both partners feeling unseen and unheard. You'll learn why understanding is more important than agreement, how emotional injuries impact your relationship, and the simple questions you can ask yourself after conflict to determine whether true repair has happened. The difference between conflict resolution and conflict repairWhy couples keep having the same argumentHow resentment builds in relationshipsWhy "agreeing to disagree" often isn't enoughUnderstanding vs. agreement in healthy communicationEmotional safety after conflictJohn Gottman's research on repair attemptsThe emotional bank account conceptFour questions to ask after a disagreementHow to rebuild connection after conflictIf you've ever felt like your partner doesn't understand you, or you've struggled to let go of old hurts, this episode will help you create deeper connection and healthier communication in your relationship. Connect with Jen:🌐 ⁠⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com⁠⁠💌 Weekly newsletter + relationship tips:⁠⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/newsletter⁠⁠ Download Jen’s free guide:5 Simple Habits to Improve Your Relationship Today⁠⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/5simplehabits

    19 min

  5. May 28

    Ep. 39 Who Gets Their Way in a Relationship - 5 Questions to Ask Before You Compromise

    Have you ever noticed that relationship fights are almost never really about the thing itself? It’s not actually about where to go to dinner. Or the need for another Amazon package. Or the temperature of the house. Or whose family you’re seeing for the holidays. It’s about something deeper: Who gets their way? Who gives in? Whose needs matter more? And how do healthy couples decide without building resentment? In this honest and very relatable episode, Jen talks about the small everyday disagreements couples constantly face - and why those little decisions can become surprisingly emotional. From childhood lessons about people pleasing and conflict… to marriage disagreements about money, home projects, vacations, parenting, and puppies… this episode explores the complicated balance between standing up for yourself and learning when to let something go. Jen shares 5 important questions every couple should ask when they disagree, including: Am I fighting for something that truly matters?Am I always the one getting my way?Am I giving in just to avoid conflict?Is there a way for both people to matter here?What kind of relationship are we trying to build?Topics include: relationship compromisepower struggles in relationshipspeople pleasingconflict avoidanceresentment in marriagecommunication in relationshipsrelationship decision makinghealthy disagreementmarriage communicationstanding up for yourselfemotional needs in relationshipsfeeling unheard in relationshipsrelationship dynamicshealthy compromise vs giving incouples communicationeveryday relationship conflictIf you’ve ever felt unheard, resentful, controlling, conflict avoidant, or stuck in power struggles in your relationship, this episode will help you approach disagreements in a healthier, more connected way. Because healthy relationships aren’t about never wanting different things. They’re about learning how to navigate those differences without turning each other into enemies. Connect with Jen:🌐 ⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com⁠💌 Weekly newsletter + relationship tips:⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/newsletter⁠ Download Jen’s free guide:5 Simple Habits to Improve Your Relationship Today⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/5simplehabits

    15 min

  6. May 22

    Ep. 38 Why So Many Women Feel Lost in Midlife | Marriage, Motherhood & Identity

    Feeling lost in midlife? Struggling with people pleasing, resentment in marriage, emotional burnout, empty nest emotions, or wondering who you are outside of motherhood and caregiving? In this honest and empowering episode of Relating with Jen Funk, relationship coach Jen Funk sits down with Kristin Quackenbush, founder of Me First Club, for a real conversation about midlife, marriage, self-worth, emotional exhaustion, identity loss, and reinventing yourself after 50. Together, they explore:• Why so many women lose themselves in caregiving roles• How resentment builds in marriage and relationships• Why women struggle to ask for help• The emotional weight women carry in midlife• Empty nest transitions and letting adult kids struggle• Why courage comes before confidence• How to stop waiting and start creating a life that feels like yours again If you've been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally exhausted, or unsure what comes next in this season of life, this episode will remind you that there is still time. Topics include:midlife crisis, women over 50, emotional burnout, people pleasing, marriage resentment, relationship advice, self-care, motherhood identity loss, confidence in midlife, empty nest syndrome, personal growth, fear of starting over, and reinventing yourself after 50. Connect with Jen:🌐 https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com💌 Weekly newsletter + relationship tips:https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/newsletter Download Jen’s free guide:5 Simple Habits to Improve Your Relationship Todayhttps://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/5simplehabits Connect with Kristin: https://www.mefirst-club.com/

    38 min

  7. May 14

    Ep. 37 What to Do When Everything Your Partner Does Annoys You | 5 Steps to Turn Irritation into Connection

    Have you ever looked at your partner and thought…“Why does literally everything they do annoy me lately?” The chewing. The snoring. The stories. The socks on the floor. Suddenly every little thing feels irritating - and after awhile, it can start making you wonder:“Is this normal?”“Have we fallen out of love?”“Why do we feel so disconnected?” In this episode, I’m talking about what’s REALLY happening underneath all that frustration and irritation - because usually, the irritation isn’t actually the problem. It’s the symptom. We’re talking about: resentment in relationshipsemotional disconnectionwhy couples drift aparthow overwhelm and stress affect marriagewhy small things suddenly feel huge emotionallyand how to reconnect before resentment takes over your relationshipAnd I’m giving you 5 practical things you can start doing immediately to begin feeling closer and more connected again. If you’ve been feeling lonely, irritated, emotionally disconnected, or stuck in the roommate phase of your relationship… this episode is for you. 💌 Get my weekly relationship tips:⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/newsletter⁠ 🌐 Work with me or grab free resources:⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/⁠ 💌 Download the 5 Simple Habits to Improve Your Relationship Today:⁠https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/5simplehabits⁠ You can also check out my YouTube Channel: ⁠Relating with Jen Funk⁠ And please like, follow or leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

    21 min

  8. May 7

    Ep. 36 Should Your Marriage Come Before Your Kids?

    Should your marriage come before your kids? Or should the kids come first? In this honest and nuanced episode of Relating with Jen Funk, relationship coach Jen Funk dives into one of the most emotionally charged conversations in marriage and parenting. We’re talking about: • why so many experts say the marriage should come first • how couples slowly become disconnected after kids • why this conversation gets much more complicated after divorce and in blended families • how children are emotionally affected by remarriage and family transitions • what healthy prioritization actually looks like in real life • and practical ways to protect both your marriage and your children emotionally This episode explores the very real tension many couples and parents feel: How do you build a strong marriage without making your kids feel emotionally unimportant? Whether you’re navigating parenting stress, emotional disconnection, remarriage, blended family dynamics, or simply trying to create healthier relationships at home, this conversation will help you approach it with more clarity, compassion, and intention. 💌 Get my weekly relationship tips: https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/newsletter 🌐 Work with me or grab free resources: https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/ 💌 Download the 5 Simple Habits to Improve Your Relationship Today: https://www.jenfunkcoaching.com/5simplehabits You can also check out my YouTube Channel: Relating with Jen Funk And please like, follow or leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Relating with Jen Funk! I’m Jen - a wife of 24 years, mom of three, and Certified Life & Relationship Coach who believes we need love AND skills to create better relationships. Each week we’ll get real about the ups and downs of marriage, family, and all the relationships that matter most. I’ll share simple strategies, tools, and encouragement to help you feel more connected, supported, and confident in building the relationships you truly want.

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