When should a couple start thinking about purchasing a home? My spouse and I have been talking about this possibility. We both agree that we want to own our own home — eventually — but we’re not on the same page when it comes to whether we’re ready now. Do you have any recommendations?
Relationships & Marriage Q&As
How should I deal with my spouse’s unkind words, mind games, and put-downs? This has been a problem for most of our marriage. I’ve never been physically hurt, but the constant verbal and emotional abuse has made my life miserable. Some of my friends say I should get a divorce, but others say I should …
How do we keep my divorced parents from spoiling our wedding? I’m engaged, but as the wedding approaches my husband-to-be and I are beginning to fear that our big day may become an occasion for major family strife. My parents haven’t been on speaking terms for years. It’s a terribly awkward situation, and it’s filling …
How long should I wait before pursuing a young lady who has recently gone through a difficult break-up with a boyfriend? I realize that she’s in a place where she needs time to deal with the hurt and loss. At the same time, I don’t want to wait around too long and possibly lose out …
How can I tell the difference between what’s appropriate and what’s not appropriate in my sexual relationship with my spouse? In particular, is there any place for sexual fantasy in a marital relationship? What’s your perspective on this subject?
Is there a way to stop my spouse from trying to “fix” my problems and actually start listening to me? I’m the kind of person who needs to “vent” from time to time, but whenever I start sharing my emotions, he just cuts me off and gives me a list of things I should do …
Does the Bible consider marriage a kind of second-class state?
When should I tell the members of my immediate family – my parents and siblings – that my marriage is on the rocks? My wife and I have been struggling for a long time, and we’ve recently begun to talk about a possible separation. We’re seeing a counselor and we both want the relationship to …
How should I respond when my bride-to-be insists that I break off all ties with a lifelong female friend? This friend and I have been close since childhood. We grew up next door to each other. Our relationship, which has always been purely platonic, remains strong in spite of the fact that she’s been married …
Why can’t I have a biblically based family with multiple partners? Most of the great men of the Bible – Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon – had many wives. Given your ministry’s strong commitment to the Scriptures, I can’t see why you’re against things like polygamy and polyamory. I consider myself a polyamorous Christian. I love several different women, and …
How can I help my husband who is having disturbing flashbacks as a result of active combat duty during his time in the military? Can you provide any helpful information concerning post-traumatic stress disorder? His condition has become much worse over the past several weeks, and our entire family is deeply worried about him. How …
Do you have any ideas for dealing with a spouse who is overly sensitive, like a land-mine just waiting to go off? I walk around the house on eggshells, trying desperately to avoid triggering yet another emotional overreaction. Is there a better way to deal with this?
Should I hold on to pictures of old girlfriends now that I’m engaged to be married? I’ve had a few relationships before this one that never resulted in marriage. I don’t like the thought of destroying my photos of those girls, but I’m pretty certain that my bride-to-be would react strongly if I don’t get …
Should I marry my pregnant girlfriend? Our relationship has always been fine, but I’ve never really thought we’d be together for the rest of our lives. This changes everything. She will be keeping and raising the baby, and I’d like to do my fair share, as well. My girlfriend has some major issues in life, …
How would you advise a woman who just found out that her husband is viewing child pornography?
How should I respond when my mother-in-law continually shows partiality by giving preference to my husband’s sister and her family? When I called about visiting on Mother’s Day, I was told to come the day after since she had already made plans with her daughter. More recently when I asked about Thanksgiving, she said that …
Should married couples sink a portion of their monetary assets into investments? I’ve always been of the opinion that playing the stock market isn’t much different than playing the slot machines in Vegas. I believe in trusting God for our needs one day at a time. My spouse disagrees and says that investments are a …
How should I respond to a wife who has a tendency to resort to violence?
Is my spouse’s use of pornography the same thing as marital infidelity?
Is it wise to try to put a broken marriage back together again? My ex-husband and I were divorced several years ago. Since that time he has become a Christian, and his life has changed dramatically. As a result, we’ve been talking about getting remarried. Do you think this is a good idea?
