Surviving our first year of marriage | Ep. 10

We were told that the first year of marriage will be the hardest and...if you can survive it you can survive the rest. Was that true? We had different takes on it. We also address some growing concerns among our listeners on two issues.

[@christyb.2272]

My husband and I have been married over 55 years and our first year was absolute bliss. I have wonderful memories of that year. We didn't have an argument for 12 years. We still love each other madly and we are now quite elderly. We never understand why people say the first year is so hard! After our first year my husband went to Korea with the Air Force, then I had twins, and so after that just because of circumstances it couldn't stay blissful but it has always been very good. I married a wonderful man.

[@bunny_0288]

My husband and I have been married for 14 years and our first year was really hard for several reasons. Financially things were very very tight which was stressful. We were living in a very very small apartment, so we didn't have a lot of personal space. My husband was working a lot and I was having trouble finding a job because we were living in a very small town. His family was coming over all the time even though we had very limited time together, and it was difficult navigating setting boundaries with them which caused conflict. I went on birth control pills, and they really messed with my moods and emotions which led to more arguments because I was a basket case. We also have very different ways of communicating. We have since discovered my husband is neurodivergent, but he was not diagnosed until years after we were married. This can make communicating and understanding one another more challenging. I'm now a lot more patient with him than I was back then because I know that his brain works differently from mine. 14 years later, and we almost never have an argument, now. We have been through some really really hard life situations. 3 of our parents have already passed away in very traumatic and unexpected ways. We have dealt with 13 years of infertility and a miscarriage which adds so much stress and is an ongoing grief for both of us. We have dealt with job loss, moving cities, some mental health struggles for both of us, and so many other stressors. But the lessons we learned that first year have carried us through. I'm so thankful for that difficult first year. I'm thankful to look back and see how far we have come and how much closer we are and how much we have grown! I think it's great that some people have an easy first year, but every couple is different and is dealt different challenges that they have to work through.

[@naomi8097]

Been happily married 20 years. Our first year was great as well. Our 2nd was harder and the 5 year mark. After 5 years we have grown so much. Learned to consider the other person.

[@shellyb1062]

I think the soul-baring you are both doing is really a gift to humanity. I think Jimger’s journey from fear to peace/love is beautiful to see and hear about. Helps connect us all. Jeremy’s acceptance and openness is profound.

[@lisaengel89]

I love how your confidence has really blossomed, Jinger. 😊

[@naomi8097]

I know. It seems she’s come out since being married.

[@nn-do6du]

The couch is perfect. The conversation was a blessing. Keep up the good work. To God be the Glory ! And yes.... marriage does not create problems; it reveals them :) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith 🙌🏻

[@kelseywinterhalt6468]

I love watching these podcasts on KZbin. Hearing your experiences as a happily married couple makes it so easy, pleasant and enjoyable to watch and hear all your experiences in eight years of marriage!😊

[@missymyers7043]

Wow! What a great testamony to your first year of marriage and I love the analogy to the bunker and bombs going of and coming together to weather the storm and holding hands in the sunny times. My husband is 7 years older he was 29 and I 22 when we married. I was so young and didn’t have a mentor to lean on. I’m seriously surprised we are still married…but here we are 31 years later. But I learned so much from this conversation and had a lot of light bulb moments that related to my own marriage. Thank you for sharing and being open and raw about it!! God Bless you both. 🙏🏼💖

[@rondamiddleton790]

You guys are such an amazing couple! I’m one of those who watched Jinger grow up on TV, and as you shared your 1st year of marriage I was remembering your courting stage and then the raining night you got engaged and God gave you a break in the rain, it was so sweet. I’ve really missed watching your lives together and I’m so glad that I’ve found you again. I know it sounds crazy but I look at you and pray for you like if you were my kids. I’m sure you have alot of us crazy online family that feels the same about you guys. I know that I will never get to meet you while on this earth but I’m so excited to know that I will get to spend eternity with you and Jesus our Lord and Savior. I believe that the new earth will be like the DC Talks song Father’s House.💕💕💕

[@barbaraackerman57]

Jinger, you are more yourself now. I've watched all your podcasts here with Jeremy and think back to all your family shows and the Counting on shows, and you were just part of the many.. I do enjoy these podcasts.❤ And bless you for keeping that shield around your girls!

[@lanaashford1143]

I just got married and I’m not even 20 yet. My husband is 8 years older than me, so I totally relate to when you said marriage was much easier since Jeremy already went through the things you did. What a blessing they had to go through the hard things first so they could encourage us later on 😂

[@encarnacionolson2800]

Congratulations on being married almost 8 years. I agree that the first year of marriage has lots of adjusting for both. Being away from the rest of the family and having to make it on your own with Gods help is the best for most of new couples. Blessings for all of you. I am a grandmother of 9.

[@jamiebarth9734]

I so enjoyed the depth of this particular podcast. Thank y’all for your vulnerability and demonstrating your strength and love.

[@milcarivera8926]

Another great podcast! I have followed you guys since you dated and I must say, this was one of my favorite " couples/ weddings" that I watched. I just knew that you guys were going to be different-God is sooo good! As a mom, I pray daily that my son ( of marriage age now) would find a good Godly women. I also pray that my daughter ( when she is older) will find a Godly man to do life with. I am currently 23 years married and it has been a blessing :)

[@shawnasahs2431]

Sitting apart on the couch makes sense. You get a sore neck trying to look at each other and have a long conversation sitting close to each other. Enjoy sitting close when you don’t have mics and an audience. ❤️

[@katie2412]

Love your podcast, and the deeply respectful way you listen and communicate with one another. Jinger, as you have matured, and deepened in wisdom, your physical beauty has blossomed too, a beautiful reflection of inner and outer beauty ✨🙏✨

[@beve83]

This is my favorite episode so far. I love the convo!

[@TraciBramlett]

I agree with Jinger. Our first year of marriage was the hardest because of the adjustment period. I moved from Bakersfield to the Bay Area. What a change!

[@trueballofwax3077]

I have so much to say!! Lol! First, I love your podcast! Very Inspiring and enlightening! 2nd, I’ve always wanted to tell you, you are/were the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen! I’ve literally rewatch your wedding episode and the finding the dress more than 25 times! No joke! Just stunning! And since you were talking about your 1st year of marriage I felt a wedding comment was too far off! Also, coming from an older lady, I want to encourage you to use your pretty china. Especially for the 2 of you! Make a special meal and set out the pretty dishes, you will see it sets a lovely mood and it is fun! I’m like you, I have always been the simple, quick type entertaining but someone older than me told me to give it a try, and I’m glad I did! Once you see the value as a couple, then I encourage you to set a pretty table for all 4 of you! Maybe even let the girls put on a pretty outfit! This will be memories for your girls the rest of their lives!! I understand your little one might be a bit too young yet, but it won’t be long! I’m just suggesting you do this once in a while and see if all of you enjoy it! It is just another “something”, you can add to make life fun and pretty!

[@Melly-c9m]

My family just moved from Laredo, and the people were not welcoming to my parents even after two years. My mom would take walks in the near by park and would try to smile at the families in the park and the women would look her up and down and look away. I’m happy you both had a good time there and people were nice.

[@ashleenicole71]

Unfortunately a lot of areas aren't happy with people moving there anymore. I moved 40 mins away from a city into a rural area that is full of grumpy people..nit everyone but many. My own neighbor. Seems to hate us. The wife only the husband is nice.

[@heidifrick4400]

It doesnt matter how close you sit on the couch.

[@sbug2705]

That says a lot more about those people than your mother. She sounds a kind, sweet soul. People like that are not even worth thinking about.

[@Rachelec9352]

Since a lot of Californians have started moving to Texas in very large rates, it has changed their culture a lot and raised housing prices. Because of this people have become frustrated with newcomers. That is 100% wrong of them to treat your mom that way. I would never do that, but maybe that’s why her experience was so different from what theirs was 10 years ago.

[@UnstoppableMorgan]

Hey guys I had an HVAC that would just stop working in the hottest months during summer and turns out the system they installed when the house was built was not big enough for the space. So it was being overworked. Check the BTU’s of your machine and measure the space! It’ll save you so many maintenance calls. ❤

[@christinad1020]

Cracking up about y’all addressing where you sit on the couch. 😆 Producer Josh took one for the team! 😂 …Makes complete sense for the video & editing. ❤ Y’all are too cute together! Love the topics & the ease in conversations you both have. 🥰

[@Rebecca-b9h]

I love your podcast! You are both amazing and have such great insight! Love the new microphones and sitting apart on the couch makes total sense or you'll hurt your necks looking at each other. You are correct in that you are in your 8th year of marriage already and about to hit your 9th year (because it's always one more than your actual anniversary years). I have lived in SoCal my entire life but have visited family in Bentonville, AR many times. Arkansas is beautiful - especially Northwest AR.

[@JanelleC-fr8nb]

Ya’ll are such an adorable couple!! You both remind me of some of my dear friends. This is the sweetest and most genuine podcast. Blessings!

[@lisawatkins8801]

Replace the couch with two comfy chairs and all problems solved!

[@missymyers7043]

Swivel chairs would be perfect!

[@Sunshine94533]

Agreed!

[@mirandacooper1159]

I love the couch

[@tarastreasure]

Except there's no actual problem.

[@maureenrogers1092]

I have to tell you that you guys are so mature at such a young time in your marriage We are married 57 years and it is all about exactly what you have said. We are human and we change and grow. That is life. So true that the me generation is into this is not what I signed up for I am out of here. Marriage is a process of experience and growing together. I wish could be apart of your ministry. You definitely have it all together. I would love to talk to you both more. You are very special and know that. Please contact me as I would love to discuss this further with you both. Older and you are so real and it is a breath of fresh air !!!! God Bless you always.

[@leapingdeer7880]

Personally I don't think the hardest part of marriage is the years married, personally I feel it's the life stages each person in the marriage goes through as individuals that can either make or break a marriage regardless of how many years it's been, it takes a lot of commitment, understanding, empathy, support, patience and maturity to get through those life stages together you have to respect each other as an individual first and then collaborate as a team to make it all work.

[@andrealawrence8238]

Looks way more natural with Jeremy sitting a little closer to Jinger. Thank you for sharing your hearts with us. Really enjoying the podcast. :)

[@Tiffany-m4b]

My husband is a youth pastor. Your exchange about there being others that wanted to marry him cracked me up. My oblivious husband didn't realize he had several girls who were wanting a shot at dating him. I was new and within 6 months of being there we were engaged and it caused so many problems with the other young adult women. It was ridiculous! I unknowingly stepped in and won the competition for the young youth pastor 😂

[@DawnMcConnell-r1x]

I laughed so hard about the ticket. 😂😂😂 How on Earth did you carry on with Bible study after that. 😂

[@sinclairair8456]

Hello from Arizona! Love your family, and wanted to provide you with an idea for guests. Sarah and Carlo! They are so caring, funny and lovable, and I think you all would get along great! Would be a top vlog for sure!

[@tiffanymitchellsetliff5915]

You are a Rebel....a beautiful soul.... never stop being yourself!

[@jillblanton6883]

Love listening to you both. Jinger, I love how positive you are.

[@LAShopper]

The first year of marriage was definitely challenging, but some other years have been harder for different reasons.

[@Hungry_ducklingdough]

41:44 I think there's so much to be said for the maturing that happens within marriage. In our culture there's a pressure to get everything together and know who you are 100% before getting married but we know from the picture of Christ and the church that marriage is a sanctifying process. You change in so many ways during marriage and hopefully it's for the better if you are following God's plan for marriage.

[@marymartinez8047]

For us, the first six months was great! A honeymoon period of life. The year after was challenging. How you handle those challenges sets the stage for the rest of the years.

[@angicarlston13]

For me though our first yr was tough, our 20th was really hard and our 38/39th. Marriage ebbs and flows. Some years breeze by while others we walk through trial after trail. We are in our 41st yr. Marriage is amazing. People say give 50/50. We say give 100/100. This was if someone is struggling the other is making it up already. We balance each other well. Where I am weak, he is strong and vice versa.

[@Creative2xmom]

The first year of marriage is definately an adjustment. However, after 23 years of marriage, my husband and I realize marriage continues to be a challenge, just always in different ways. Just keep growing.

[@sunshinevibes4357]

I think the couch is fine and the new mike set up is fine. Your sound quality is so professional! You two are very sweet, loving, and well spoken.

[@cynthiacontreras9594]

God bless you guys!!..I remember the heat wave at the beginning of September. It was 10pm when there was an outrage in my area, which lasted for about 4 days. My husband got a generator because it was so hot and we have three kids. They woke up that night saying why is so hot. It was not fun at all😂

[@crystalzepeda9769]

The office makes me sad! I loved that set up, and actually thought about that episode not long ago when I was getting ready to set up my office and wanted to find that episode for inspiration!

[@barbarabavier675]

That’s heartbreaking about the bookshelves. They were so beautiful, and they made Jeremy SO happy! I had a similar experience with a couple of rooms in my childhood home.

[@eringohl9342]

I love that you watched old episodes.

[@tammyharper4152]

The love you’ll have for each other is so precious and beautiful: Love you’ll have for you’ll daughters is so precious and beautiful/ Keep making memories

[@cryschapman]

I had an incredibly difficult childhood and while it would take me way too long to explain the background, I have chosen to be Agnostic. Maybe one day something will how me what I need to see to believe, but in the meantime that's where I am. BUT, while I absolutely do not like the Bill Gothard things , and I have watched the Duggar kids grow up, I absolutely love seeing how Jinger has been able to realize that there was something wrong with the way she was raised and still able to keep her faith. It gives me hope. I watch most of your videos and I read your book and I just want you to know that you make me look a little deeper at the idea that a god can exist.

[@debralawler-nt9si]

You both are made for each other... You both brought out the best in yourselves

[@Ida-y2v]

Your honest responses and insightful conversations are wonderful.

[@Jean-ko4xv]

Very nice visit, Thank you and God Bless.❤&🙏🙏'ers. Jean

[@sandystark1614]

I love that you prayer walked!

[@erinedmonds6680]

I think it’s different when you come from long distance too. Me and my husband did 3.5 years of long distance, and it makes the first year exciting now that you are in the same zip code!

[@MissBe737]

I don't think the first year of marriage is the hardest, but I'm sure it depends on the couple and their circumstances.

[@TMK1971]

I relate to you Jinger. Always loved your personality on the show. You are an ambivert which is both introvert and extrovert that’s how I am. If I’m new or meeting new people I’m reserved and an observer but if I know people and I can be me I’m more extroverted. I love that you guys are keeping your girls off social media!! More parents need to do that! ❤❤

[@TheEricksonGang]

It's usually the 1st 2 years are the easiest but if you can get through the first 7 years the 8th year is the Golden Year. We had Challenges from our 4th-7th year for sure. We found ourselves making the same 6 or 7 of the same meals all the time on rotation, but my husband has found some new fun and delicious meals and has been helping so much in that department. I was becoming burnt out. That would have been heart breaking to see the shelves ripped put etc but like you said it's just stuff and have to be prepared for it. Our Mexican restraunts here have Courtesy chips & Salsa unlimited it is really nice. But we use to be able to get a full platter of food for $5 around lunch time but all prices have gone up of course. If you ever come back up to Itasca State Park at the Headwaters in MN where you family had gone before a long time ago. Let me know I live 14 miles from there and Mi Rancho is my favorite in Bemidji MN that is 30 miles from the head waters. But the best Mexican restraunt I have been to is in Savage MN it looks like a hole in the wall place but awesome is El Loros. This is defiantly different seasons in our life where we grow, and it is in Spiritual and other ways that we do. I remember a transition growing up in my teens and then from 19-21 and then 21-24 and then 24 to 27 and then 27 to 32 and it just keeps going. I am 50 now and there has been a huge thing from 48 to 50. Thanks for sharing you two always love watching & listening. You both make a great team! The Lord is good!

[@reetayoung]

I really enjoyed this, so interesting! I love the down to earth, real life conversation.

[@grosventre7760]

Married 33 years, I think years 1, 5 & 10 are the hardest. I don’t know why but if you could get through those years then it’s smooth sailing after that. ❤

[@JacquelynHoward-iq7wg]

I love the mic arms and it totally makes since on the distance on the couch for the video! When are you going to show a tour of your new house?

[@ghministries-melissamckeeh4629]

I enjoy your conversations. There is a lot of podcasts out there but yours is a refreshing biblical truth conversation that is also just fun and simple. I love Jingers heart and Jeremy’s biblical truth along with their stories!

[@thehappylittleuke9432]

Literally every time I heat Jinger speak about her friendship struggles, I want to hug her.

[@paulagough6546]

So helpful with your transparency…..Gold ❤❤

[@lanamorey6679]

Great mike arms. Enjoyed this conversation.

[@sandrahand5338]

I’ve really enjoyed your podcasts! Thank you!

[@cindythomas5895]

I really love you both .. such a blessing and I so enjoy your podcast ❤

[@hondafreedom9329]

EXCELLENT video! Jinger is awesome. Jeremy seems like a really good husband. I loved watching The Duggars, and I'm not Christian at all, but while they had trials and tribulations they also had really inspiring ways of navigating the world and I just loved the show. Always thought Jinger was the prettiest (though Jessa and the others are too - not dissing anyone!). This video was so real.

[@CyndiDorsey]

I live in California, on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, where we are well known for our fine dining, and beaches. I have eaten at many Mexican restaurants, and they all bring chips and salsa on the house; even the less expensive restaurants bring chips and salsa on the house. It’s a six hour drive from LA, so check us out, and think about planning a vacation here.

[@heatherthodde]

Jinger is awesome, I love her genuineness.

[@KathyCrenshaw]

Enjoyed this a lot! Greetings from Juneau, AK

[@jessiruu]

Love the mic stands, there was always a knocking or tapping sound when y’all are holding the mic. The sound would hurt my ears when I listened with my headphones. 👍👍

[@mdaly4010]

Ambivert: balance of introvert & extrovert. All the best❤

[@jukes243]

Thanks for being transparent, Jinger. I can so relate. YES ... authentic Mexican food with free (unlimited) chips & salsa.

[@lizregan1949]

It is they way our Mexican restaurant does it. Free unlimited chips and salsa.

[@lisaengel89]

When you save yourself for marriage, it should be GREAT! 👊🏻

[@cindyeddings269]

Talking about your first home over 30 years or more when we had this home and we sold it i remember how hard it was we had this home for 20 years. I had both my girls there and we got it after a year of Marriage. My girls new no other home for most of there lives. Well any way another young couple bought this home. There first with young children we had remodeled about 4 times over the years until we were finally done. I remember the young Mom asking nge if I could wait there for a few min while she ran some where I had went there to pick up some final things. I remember the moment I was by myself in what used to be my home and theemories there. When I went into her kitchen I looked into a cabinet that was made special for drinking classes. My husband made it with narrow shelf's spaced father apart for cups and glasses it was funny. But when I looked in there that's not what was there. I got upset and rearranged it with all her drinking glasses and cups. And told her when she got back home this is why this was built. Forgetting it is no longer my home I took a step back and said I am sorry. She said that's ok I get it. We were separating at the time .and Divorced witch is why we sold out home. So a lot was happening with my life at that time. He stayed best friends and he recently Passed away one thing I have leaned through this is that as you daid Jinger is just a house. The memories are what you will take with you forever.thank you both for your podcast I love them. Añd I love your family God Bless you all

[@janejohnson8353]

Love your podcasts. Just a comment about the HVAC. I had a brand new one too that stopped working. It actually had TOO much coolant and they had to remove some. Usually, there isn't enough coolant. It would work to a point and then just stop working. It happened during a heat wave here too.

[@Hidinginyourcupboard]

SO happy for Jana! And you both are a great example of a healthy family 👍🏼

[@Mvill1]

I think that the adjustment that Jinger describes is common for everyone who changes an environment, leaves family, gets married.

[@teflonl]

Love u two, so genuine & sweet ❤

[@DebCanada54]

Love the pod casts .Perhaps at the end of podcast you can end it by sitting next to each other . KEEP DOING YOU GUYS !!!

[@PurePrairie]

It's funny people are commenting about the distance on the couch. I think if you each sat in your own chairs tilted toward each other, people wouldn't notice the distance because of esthetics. 🤷‍♀️

[@louisesproul8493]

My ex used that at me, YOUR NOT THE PERSON I MARRIED , then i found out he'd been having an affair for 11 years. I couldn't do it anymore. He threatened to kill me so I told him I wanted a divorce, he is not a believer and I am.

[@rosemaryroutte7379]

Really enjoyed this podcast. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@tlynn7043]

People really … what a stupid question. No one can reason anymore. The set up works well.

[@nanijeanie]

We would love to be your neighbors! If you want to move again, come to Oregon and I will cook for you! We are doing online church, it's been like this for quite a while. I guess you end up getting in a rut. We need more good pastors like you guys!❤

[@bestillfarm4344]

We're from Oregon and mostly doing online church at home, too. Hugs!

[@ethelmcgurk5239]

Much better with the mic stands! Looks nice!!!

[@terrymclellan315]

You two should get Out of L.A!..seismic activity Love your team work!!😅

[@abigailkemper9637]

We were told not to plan anything major the first year of marriage because all you need to do is learn how to be together. It was true!

[@rebeccalovestinyhumans4261]

Oh boy 🥵! We live in centeal California 110' 🔥 and no air conditioning because it costs more than $1000/month 💰

[@mommad8666]

Love and prayers from KY.

[@ethelmcgurk5239]

Have little tables or a coffee table so you can have tea, or coffee or whatever beverage. That’s what you can do with your hands.

[@Sunshine94533]

That’s a great idea!

[@tarastreasure]

"You always had a six and a three year old" was so funny! 😅 If it wasn't Jeremy, and in today's young people's slang, I would say it wast a 'roast', very subtle indeed.

[@Thefrenchtown]

Idk where in LA you are going for Mexican food, but as someone who has grown up in SoCal, yes it’s expected that if you go to a true Mexican restaurant, the chips and salsa are unlimited and not an additional charge to your meal

[@marilouo4321]

You may need a new electrical control panel. My internet kept shutting off and then eventually other lights and plugs in the house. It was not cheap but the new panel fixed the problem.

[@toliveischrist3330]

14:14 Jinger’s eyes reminded me of young Jinger from 19 Kids and Counting 😂

[@Sara-iu9nq]

The story about the ticket had me laughing so hard 😂

[@sarahw7244]

We were also warned it would be the hardest, the first year of marriage. It was not. We were giddy a lot. Sure it wasn't perfect. But other years have been far harder.

[@aliceinoregonland333]

I live in a 55 and older community! Recently I have been out walking and people that I have never met will ask me, "So how long have you lived here, I have never seen you before?" Well, "I have lived here 3.2 years, I just got a dog!"😂😂😂🐶🐶🐶

[@kristinmcclendon2543]

Chips and salsa should always be free and endless. If you want a good salsa bar and date night, check out Yolanda’s in Ventura County. The location in Oxnard is in the harbor 👌🏻

[@Sammy9808]

Well now, isn't it really a silly statement to make? "First year is the hardest". The first year is different for everyone, but most people didn't have the same dating relationship that you guys had. Just being alone for the first time must have been a little terrifying. I hope you are not offended by this... but Jinger, you got the most handsome husband out of the bunch and Jeremy, you got the most beautiful Duggar. Don't get me wrong, all the others are good looking too, but you two are a beautiful couple. I respect that you don't want to show your children but I can only imagine how adorable they are. I am Italian too Jeremy, so I might be a little bias. My mother came to this country when she was 27. She passed away at age 74 and she still had a thick accent. We had to ask her constantly to repeat herself, but it was so precious. I am very proud of my Italian heritage

[@tarastreasure]

I thought the same - first year could be the hardest for people like them that didn't really know each other much and didn't have much intimacy before (and I don't necessarily mean sex) but could be easier for other people. Also, I love them all but I agree Jinger is the most beautiful and Jeremy is also the most good looking husband among them. You could always tell Jinger was a bit different to her sisters (the ones that were older and we got to see in the show) because she was the only one that really liked big cities etc and it's awesome she found Jeremy, who shares those same interests with her.

[@mitsim]

I'm in San Diego, and I've never been to a restaurant in the entire county where you had to pay for chips and salsa. Maybe there are very high end restaurants that charge, but most of us go to the "real" Mexican restaurants.

[@suemaxwell-e8b]

I live in NC now. They don't charge for chips & salsa here. So yummy. Also, FL. didn't charge. Its been 10 yrs since I lived there. Can't go wrong with chips & salsa. I think both places charge if you want a cheesy sauce

[@stockinettestitch]

Minnesota sit downs don’t charge either.

[@LisaHatch-s2h]

Love this video. I just got married this year. Valentines Day. ❤💕

[@China-Clay]

I asked about sitting far apart, but it was mostly tongue in cheek 😂😂😂

[@jenniferfitzgerald8970]

Thanks for explaining why you sit so far apart! It makes total sense once you explained it!

[@stockinettestitch]

I’m only 2 minutes in but I gotta weigh in: It’s more comfortable farther apart on the sofa - for the viewers too. It’s a nice public distance. Think of Charlie Rose’s table - nice and big. The speakers likely feel more comfortable as well. You can stretch out a bit, use hand and arm gestures. I like your spacing. ☺️

[@susanmoran692]

Oh my! I need to go shop at Trader Joe’s now!