Couch Chronicles

How We're Surviving Marriage & the Pandemic

Dr. C. Nicole Swiner---wife, mother, best-selling author and publisher, family doctor and #nosuperwoman expert.
Ric Swiner--husband, father, veteran news anchorman and journalist, photographer, videographer and DJ Big Fella NC.
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This all began as an Instagram Live series, which was a lot of fun and, hopefully, there are little nuggets that we shared and will share here. We also did this for posterity, so that our kids can watch and read it later, when they grow up, and see how Mom and Dad survived the pandemic. We also wanted to carry on the tradition of what we've been doing for years for our friends and loved ones, which is give the best advice we can to singles and families about dating, relationships, love, marriage, parenthood and happiness. Many of these convos would literally happen on the couches in our home, so here's some of our favorite gems for you to have at your home.

We also did the IG Lives because….boredom. We were all in quarantine, trying to stay sane and keep our spirits up. Outside of working, homeschooling and being with the kids, there's not a lot of extra fun stuff to do. We had been listening to virtual DJs, and Ric has been dj-ing online as DJ Big Fella NC, which has been incredible. So this was something else fun to do. We said, “everyone else is online,” so, we might as well jump in.

Note that the advice we give here isn’t the Gospel. But, it’s what worked for us for more than a decade and what we’ve experienced either ourselves or through our friends. Take it for what it is and leave what you don’t need.

However, here’s the disclaimer: Please check in with your medical or mental health providers for any questions or concerns you may have from these discussions. Nicole is a doctor but may not be your doctor. Ric just plays one on TV.

Now, let’s jump in.

With love,
Ric and Nicole