From “Fine” to “Very Good”: Unlock Real Intimacy in Your Relationships
Hey Lunchtime in Rome crew! Episode 303 hits hard: Why do most relationships stall at “good” or “fine” instead of God’s “very good” benchmark (Genesis vibes)? The guys unpack it with laughs, raw stories, and zero fluff. Let’s dive in—quick and punchy.
Life Wins Fuel the Fire
Cabinets installed in a day (friendship goals).
First disc golf ace (”It took its key out and let itself in!”).
Gym streak: 6 days/week, push-pull-legs—feeling beast mode.
CrossFit newbie: Lungs burn, but the community? Gold.
These aren’t side notes—they show intentional effort, just like relationships need.
The Problem: No Intimacy = Stuck in “Fine”
Premarital homework: Ask married folks about their marriage. Answers? “Fine.” “Better than most.” Never “great.” Why?
Coexisting, not connecting: 1950s duty, 1980s distractions, today? Doomscrolling side-by-side.
Blocks: Selfishness (survival mode), bad habits from upbringing, unmet hurts teaching “don’t vulnerability.”
Communication levels (Jim’s gold): 1. Obligatory (”Hi”). 2. Observational (”It’s raining”). 3. Thoughts (”You’re wrong”). 4. Feelings (”I feel alone”). Stop at 3? No intimacy.
Intimacy = Vulnerable openness + meeting needs. Join their world: Rejoice/mourn together (Romans 12:15).
The Fix: 3 Steps to “Very Good”
Slow need-sharing: No conflict— “It’d mean the world if...”
Intentional need-meeting: Pour in, even if uneven. Model it.
Feedback loop: “Loved that—here’s a tweak.” Receive without defense.
303 episodes of this podcast? Your cheat sheet.
Food Fun: Best Fake Ethnic Chain?
Taco Bell crushes (Crunchwrap Supreme nostalgia). Olive Garden salad/breadsticks honorable mention. Outback for “Australian” laughs. Aladdin’s shawarma with pickled turnips? Underrated.
Your pick? Comment below!
This episode’s a wake-up. Take the relational needs quiz at lunchtimeinrome.com. Subscribe on Substack for recaps + extras. What’s your “very good” move this week? Let’s chat. Pull up a seat! 🚀
