Divorce lawyer was asked about one habit change that can save their marriage — his answer was a simple weekly routine that no one expected
Strong relationships often depend on small habits rather than big changes. Recently, Entrepreneur and host Codie Sanchez spoke with divorce lawyer James Sexton on her podcast "Divorce Expert: The Early Signs of Infidelity," and later shared a clip from the conversation as a Facebook reel on February 15, 2026. During their talk, she asked him about one simple habit change he had seen that could help save a marriage. His response stood out because it was practical and easy, yet not something most couples usually think about or follow consistently in their daily lives.
He revealed that the habit is a weekly “walk and talk.” He described in detail how couples who follow this routine set aside time every week to step away from distractions, go for a walk together, and have a focused conversation with a clear purpose rather than casual talk. During the walk, each partner shares three things the other did that made them feel loved. They also mention a couple of actions that made them "feel unloved or unseen." This simple act helps review the good things that happened during the week and the positive ways a partner impacts the other's life.
He also noted that if someone cannot name three positive things, it already shows a deeper issue that needs to be worked on. This routine helps couples stay aware of each other’s feelings and actions regularly. In many cases, people believe relationships fail because of big problems, but small gaps in communication often grow over time. In the United States, over 672,000 divorces are recorded yearly, with a divorce rate of about 2.4 per 1,000 people, based on CDC data.
These numbers show how common such struggles are. A simple weekly check-in like this can help couples address issues early. It also builds a habit of appreciation, which many relationships slowly lose over time without noticing. Often, consistent effort matters more than grand gestures in long-term relationships. This idea fits well with Sexton’s advice.
The divorce lawyer also pointed out another common habit that many people overlook, yet it can play an important role in preventing divorce. Speaking on another podcast called "The Diary of a CEO," Sexton shared that the key is simply paying attention in the right way. He said, “I would say ‘pay attention.’ Pay attention to three things. The you, the me, and the we.” He explained that people often forget these three parts need equal care in a relationship.
He further shared that each partner should keep their own identity while also respecting the other person’s space and growth. Change is natural, but noticing it and talking about it matters. He added, “Make sure we're watering the plant,” referring to the relationship itself. This means putting in steady effort, not just during problems but also on normal days, so the bond stays strong over time. In the end, he stressed that small daily awareness can make a big difference.
For more helpful podcasts, follow Codie Sanchez on her Facebook account.
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