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 …
Relationships & Marriage Q&As
What’s the proper protocol for spouses when it comes to helping other people of the opposite sex with problems – especially problems of the marital variety? Sadly, my brother and his wife are in the process of divorcing. My sister-in-law called my husband the other night to see if he would meet with her to provide counseling …
I have some serious reservations about the friends my husband keeps in touch with from his college days. Some of these guys are married and some aren’t. They plan frequent “boys’ weekends,” and they also organize a lot of parties for special occasions. What concerns me is what goes on at these events. On a …
Do you have any recommendations for couples who find themselves owing a lot of money to a lot of different creditors? I’m not quite sure how it happened, but my spouse and I have come to the realization that we’re in deep debt and serious financial trouble. As you can imagine, this is putting a …
As a bride-to-be, how can I get past the struggle and disappointment I’m experiencing due to the fact that the man I’m marrying isn’t a virgin? I don’t hold this against him. In fact, I almost feel guilty for having these feelings because he is a devoted Christian, gentle and kind, and a man of …
Do you have any advice on how to deal with a relationally jealous and possessive mother? Though I’m a grown woman with young children of my own, my mom is still trying to control my life. I’d love to have a close, healthy relationship with her, but she demands more. In fact, she insists that …
Is there anything I can do to help my expectant wife deal with the severe mood swings she’s been experiencing? She’s about three-quarters of the way through her pregnancy, and lately she’s been terribly depressed. It’s beginning to take a real toll on our relationship. I’ve heard a lot about post-partum depression, but is it …
Is there a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation in a case of marital infidelity?
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 …
What’s the best way to deal with “enabling” relatives? Our adult child has made some very poor choices, and as a result he’s struggling to make it on his own. He’s become extremely manipulative, and we’ve had to establish firm boundaries with him. Unfortunately, members of our extended family aren’t helping – in fact, some of …
Can you tell me what it means to “honor” (Exodus 20:12) a parent who has become increasingly cranky, feisty, disagreeable, and demanding as a result of Alzheimer’s disease and the aging process? My mom was once a sweet, caring, and soft-spoken woman, but all that has changed dramatically over the past few years. I can …
What should I do when my spouse frequently makes inaccurate or embarrassing statements about me in the company of family or friends?
Do you believe that couples who possess a strong faith have an advantage over those who don’t? To put it another way, how important is the spiritual side of a marriage relationship? Is it crucial that husband and wife share the same faith and practice it together? If so, why?
My current wife is biased against my children from my first marriage. We have four kids altogether – two from my first marriage and two from this one – but she clearly favors her own. At first she seemed to accept the older kids, but lately her attitude towards them has become unfairly critical and …
What can I do about my husband’s tendency to put business ahead of family life and everything else? I don’t usually care for labels, but I think it would be fair to call him a “workaholic.” He works constantly and spends very little time with me and our sons. When I approach him about it, …
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 …