076: Meet Tim & Janet Rafalovich

Marriage of Greatness Podcast

What if the secret to an extraordinary marriage wasn’t found in romance or passion, but in something most people overlook—companionship?

In this powerful and uplifting episode of the Marriage of Greatness podcast, Evan and Susan Money sit down with Tim and Janet Rafalovich, a couple who have been married for 38 years and have spent much of their life mentoring and counseling other couples. What makes their marriage unique? It’s not just their love for each other or their picture-perfect stories—it’s the intentional, day-in, day-out practice of choosing each other as companions, partners, and best friends.

Episode Highlights:

• Redefining Companionship in Marriage: Tim and Janet share how they’ve built their marriage around the concept of companionship, making each other the core team and never letting their children or outside relationships divide them.
• What Thriving Couples Do Differently: Hear their insights from counseling hundreds of couples—their relationship hacks, what distinguishes thriving marriages from struggling ones, and why being “unoffendable” is crucial.
• Roles, Respect & Responsibility: Discover Janet’s wisdom on respecting your spouse, building a legacy of laughter and love, and how to build up your home with intention.
• Practical Tools for Husbands: Tim breaks down his R.E.S.P.E.C.T. acronym—a practical guide for men to connect emotionally, lead spiritually, and show love with consistency and truth.
• The Power of Laughter & Hope: Learn why being able to laugh at yourself matters and how hope plays an essential role for any couple, regardless of where they are on their journey.

Take Action: Putting Lessons Into Practice

1. Prioritize Companionship: This week, look for ways to be your spouse’s #1 fan and teammate. Greet them with genuine enthusiasm, check in during the day, or plan something that celebrates just the two of you.
2. Build Your House on Respect: Assess your roles and contributions in the marriage. Are you respecting, appreciating, and building up your partner—or silently poking holes in your own “life raft”?
3. Master the Art of “Unoffendability”: Next time conflict arises, see it as an opportunity for deeper understanding and connection, not as a threat.
4. Reflect on Your Emotional Investments: Notice what you get most emotional about—is it your spouse, your golf game, your work? Realign your daily habits to ensure your marriage gets your best attention.
5. Share Hope: Know that wherever you are, tiny steps of intentionality can transform your relationship. Tap into the hope and inspiration shared in this episode, and keep moving forward—together.

For more inspiration, make sure to follow Marriage of Greatness on Instagram, check out evanlovesusan.com, and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform. If you loved this conversation, share it with a couple who could use a dose of hope and practical wisdom!

Timestamped Overview

00:00 "Marriage and Generosity Journey"

05:51 "Janet: Lively Companion and Support"

07:28 Companionship Strengthens Our Marriage

12:00 "Commitment and Communication in Marriage"

13:35 Prioritize Spousal Love Over Kids

19:14 Family First, Church Second

22:11 "Build, Don't Dismantle Relationships"

26:06 Emotions Reveal Our Values

27:36 "Faithful Partnership and Growth"

33:02 "Sarcasm's Hidden Truth in Relationships"

33:46 Respect: Relate, Connect, Lead, Care

37:01 Thriving Together Against the Current