Is there a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation in a case of marital infidelity?
Relationships & Marriage Q&As
Can an atheist and a believer build a strong, lasting marriage? My girlfriend and I are terrific together. Her family loves me and everyone else says we’re the perfect couple. There’s just one catch: she’s a strong Christian, but I don’t believe in God at all. Do you think the religious differences between us pose …
Can you give me and my spouse some tips for relating to family members who don’t share our Christian faith? My in-laws aren’t believers, and this has sometimes led to awkward or difficult situations at family gatherings.
Is there anything a couple can do to strengthen their relationship prior to engagement? There’s a lot of material out there on pre-marital counseling, but not much on the pre-engagement process. How can you be sure you want to say “yes” when the person you’re dating starts to talk about marriage? What should a couple …
Now that our kids are gone, what can we do to revitalize our relationship? I thought our marriage was healthy and vibrant — that is, until the last of our three children left home. I realize now that it was the kids who brought life into the house, and that so much of our marriage …
Should I share my marital frustrations and problems with my parents and siblings? We’ve always been a very tight-knit family, and there are few people I trust more. Our marriage isn’t in crisis, but there are times when I need some support or simply want to vent. Is that okay?
What can I do to stop my spouse from hurting my feelings with careless and cutting remarks? He’s always making what I consider extremely insensitive comments, and when I protest, he laughs and says he’s only teasing or tells me I’m too sensitive. I can assure you it’s no joke to me. Any suggestions?
Is sex really that critical to a healthy marriage?
How should my husband relate to his female boss? Occasionally, she needs to discuss a business matter with him that requires privacy and so she will schedule a lunch appointment with him alone. I’m uncomfortable with this, but he sees no alternative since this kind of practice is common and expected in his line of …
How can I be sure that my spouse is really repentant for the pain he has caused me? A year ago, I discovered he’d been involved in an emotional affair with another woman for nearly a decade. He also has a history of explosive anger which has often led to verbal abuse. On a number …
Should I slow things down with my boyfriend just because he is a new Christian? I recently began dating a young man whom I like very much and who seems to be a person of strong character. He accepted Christ about five months ago, and had been attending church and Bible study before we met. …
What can a young couple do about parents who often stop in for a visit unexpectedly? My husband and I are newly married, and my in-laws have a habit of making unannounced visits. We’ve asked them to call first, but so far nothing has changed. Is there a way to let them know that we …
Should I pursue a serious relationship with someone of another denomination whose theological framework is radically different from my own? While serving on a short-term mission this summer, I met a young lady for whom I have developed deep feelings and great respect. We’ve been corresponding since we returned to the States, and our friendship …
Can you help me and my new spouse set some reasonable financial goals for our life together? We haven’t been married very long, and my husband is already talking about buying a house and setting up retirement funds. Meanwhile, I’m concerned about paying rent and buying groceries. Is he being realistic? Am I worrying unnecessarily? …
Is it important for a young couple to have a savings account? As a rule of thumb, how much money should we be saving out of our monthly earnings?
Is it normal for a woman to feel emotionally low and exhausted in the weeks after giving birth? The birth of our child was one of the highlights of our married life, but now my wife is frequently depressed. She doesn’t communicate with me and resists any romantic advances on my part. All of this …
Does Focus on the Family offer marriage retreats and conferences for couples?
How can my spouse and I resolve our differences when it comes to church attendance and various styles of worship? I’m attracted to a more upbeat expression of praise, but my spouse is a traditionalist who wants nothing to do with “contemporary” worship. Can you help us resolve our disagreements in this area?
How can I get a copy of the booklet “Nothing To Hide”?
Do you have any advice for a woman who is facing the prospect of becoming a mother and getting divorced at the same time? I’ve just found out that I’m pregnant. Meanwhile, my husband has announced that he’s leaving me and wants a divorce. What should I do? I’ve considered moving back home, but my …