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Marital Communication

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Honey, That’s Not What I Meant

You said something to your spouse, and thought your point was clear. But after a day or two, your mate is really upset. It turns out, your spouse misunderstood what you said. Sound familiar? John, Erin and Greg explain why working through misunderstandings can make your relationship stronger. Featuring Guy Lia, Amber Lia, and Jean …

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Questions and Answers

You long for meaningful connection with your spouse. However, there are moments when it feels like life and responsibilities keep getting in the way. During those seasons, what do you do? John, Greg and Erin suggest some questions you can ask your spouse as a way to connect with each other.

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How Sleepless Jealousy Affected My Marriage

Letting go of my grudge helped me appreciate my husband and focus on God’s character instead of my sleepless jealousy

A close-up of two people standing on an escalator, symbolizing the need to stop fighting by stepping off the emotional escalator in relationships.

How to Stop Fighting: Step Off the Emotional Escalator

You can step onto the down escalator, stop fighting, and return to the issue level, or you can keep moving up to a third level of emotion.

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Hidden Expectations in Marriage

Be intentional about sharing your unspoken hopes and desires

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Listen to Your Feelings

Learning to be more honest about how you feel is a wonderful way to grow with your spouse. John Fuller and Erin Smalley discuss how to get better at sharing your feelings with your mate as you gain life experience together. Featuring Drs. Bob Paul and Greg Smalley.

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Saying NO to Lesser Important Things

Life is filled with options. But, to have a good marriage, you must learn to say “No,” to some opportunities. John and Erin discuss how saying “No” to lesser important things can benefit your marriage. Featuring Pastor Levi Lusko, Jennie Lusko and Mrs. Jean Daly.

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Lies That Will Close Your Heart

Have you ever believed something untrue about your spouse? It’s an uncomfortable question, but believing lies will always prevent your heart from being open to your mate. John talks with Erin and Greg about how they’ve learned to let go of lies in their relationship. Featuring Dr. Bob Paul.

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What Your Spouse is Not

Your spouse might be amazing, but he or she cannot meet every expectation you have. In some way, he or she will fall short. John, Greg and Erin discuss how to let go of bad expectations in your marriage. Featuring Dr. Bob Paul.

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Rules for Marriage Communication

Just like a professional sport needs rules to be played well, your marriage needs boundaries for effective communication, John talks with the Smalleys about rules they have in their own marriage for communicating with each other. Featuring Dr. Ron and Mrs. Jan Welch.

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Moving on From Miscommunication

Every now and then, you and your spouse will encounter a miscommunication. It might be a minor thing or a big thing, but how do you move on from it? Greg and Erin talk with John about how they’ve learned to get passed misunderstandings, and why working through miscommunication is worth it. Featuring Dr. Kevin …

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Don’t Run From the Problem

As problems come up in your relationship, it’s essential to deal with them. But the big question is, how? John, Erin and Greg explain why you shouldn’t run from marriage issues, and discuss how praying together helps build a lasting foundation for your relationship. Featuring Dr. Kevin Leman and Mrs. Jean Daly.

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How Integrity Leads to Intimacy

Integrity is for a marriage what a foundation is for a house. Without it, your relationship will fall apart. John, Greg and Erin discuss what genuine integrity looks like, and how to talk with your spouse about difficult things. Featuring Mr. Joshua and Mrs. Raquel Rogers.

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A Healthy Perspective on “Becoming One”

Scripture tells us that two spouses “become one,” in marriage. But what does that mean? John, Greg and Erin provide some ideas for how to live in unity with your spouse. Featuring Dr. Bob Paul.

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7 Healthy Habits That Will Improve Your Marriage

Boot these bad habits for better communication

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Strengthen Your Marriage by Identifying Feelings

We all need to care for our hearts — identifying, understanding and dealing with our emotions. If we care for our heart, it allows us to show up and care for our spouse.

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The Dangers of a Controlling Spouse

As you’re getting to know your spouse, it’s easy for things to come up that you weren’t expecting. John talks with Greg and Erin about struggles they overcame in their marriage. They’ll also provide hope for those who feel stuck in a controlling relationship. Featuring Dr. Ron and Mrs. Jan Welch.

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Using Word Pictures to Improve Communication Skills With Your Spouse

A biblical tool called “emotional word pictures” can help you improve your communication skills with your spouse. Learn to use this emotional language of love that Jesus modeled for us.

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The Joys and Challenges of Marrying Your Opposite

Author Melanie Shankle offers a humorous look at the differences between men and women, and explains how couples can work through those differences to strengthen their marriage.

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Treasure Your Spouse’s Differences

A marriage insight from Dr. Greg Smalley