Skip to content
Call a Time Out! episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 24, 2026 · 13 MIN

Call a Time Out!

from Turn it Up! Marriage Tips and Tools · host by Kelly DuPée

Use a Time Out to Stop Explosive Anger in Your Marriage (Christian Marriage Coaching)In this episode, I share one simple tool—a time out—to stop an argument from exploding, protect your connection, and help you come back to actually solve the issue. I explain how anger can damage a marriage through blowups or silent hostility. I ground the teaching in scripture (Ephesians 4:26–27 and Proverbs 15:1, 14:29, 14:17) and explain the physical fight-or-flight response that makes clear thinking harder. I define what a time out is (a short, agreed-upon pause with a promise to return) and what it is not (storming off, punishing, disappearing, using silence as a weapon, or avoiding the issue). I walk through how to use a time out: call it early and only on yourself, use a simple script, agree on the length and return time, keep the promise to return and talk, and commit to keeping anger under control by avoiding trigger words and silent hostility. I also suggest calming tactics like drinking water and using “I” statements and share examples from couples. Here's the link to download my free couples communication guide: https://www.turnitup.coach/communicationguideI'm also offering a free 30-minute strategy call for personalized help. Schedule your free Strategy call today at by calling or texting 626-804-1731or go to https://tidycal.com/kdupee1/30-minute-strategy-callHere's the link to get your free copy of my book, Turn it Up - how to have the lifelong marriage that you really want: https://turnitup.coach/75Here's the link to my video on what the book of Proverbs teaches us about managing anger: https://youtu.be/8-06tyzS0dcTimeline:0:00 Anger feels like a third person in your home + the “time out” tool0:40 Who I am (Kelly Dupee) + subscribe for weekly marriage tips1:10 Sally and Bill’s pattern: blowups and silent hostility2:05 What scripture says about anger (Ephesians, Proverbs)3:10 Why anger escalates physically (fight or flight, amygdala vs prefrontal cortex)4:05 What a time out is—and what it is NOT5:15 Step 1: Call the time out early (and only on yourself)6:40 Step 2: Use a simple script to call a time out7:35 Step 3: Agree on the length and return time8:20 Step 4: Keep your promise to return and talk (don’t avoid)9:35 What to do during a time out (water, “I” statements)10:35 Step 5: Commit to keeping anger under control (no trigger words, no silent hostility)12:05 How the time out helped other couples + you can do this too12:45 Free 30-minute strategy call + more resources (Proverbs video)13:20 Subscribe + blessing for your marriageDoes it sometimes feel like anger is a third person in your house, damaging your relationships and turning every conversation into a conflict? 😤 This video offers a simple tool to help you calm down arguments and protect your connection. As your Christian marriage coach, I'm here to provide marriage help and improve your communication skills as a couple. 👉 Want help putting this into practice? Click the link in my bio or comment HELP below and let's set up a FREE 30-minute strategy call!

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Feb 24, 2026

Embed this episode

Ready to play

Call a Time Out!

0:00 13:50

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Turn it Up! Marriage Tips and Tools?

This episode is 13 minutes long.

When was this Turn it Up! Marriage Tips and Tools episode published?

This episode was published on February 24, 2026.

Can I download this Turn it Up! Marriage Tips and Tools episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!