Being misunderstood can be a frustrating reality of a disconnected relationship. When someone hears something you didn't say or doesn't properly understand what you mean, it can wreak havoc on your communication. Today's listener question comes from a woman whose boyfriend consistently misunderstands what she means, especially when in disagreement. He even thinks that to disagree is to disrespect. 👀 Listen in as I share how she can ask better questions to get to the heart of the matter. And rem...
Aug 30, 2024•13 min•Season 13Ep. 271
In this episode, we are uncovering gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation that distorts reality and causes people to question their perceptions and memories. It’s intense, pervasive, and can wreak havoc in relationships. But fear not, because we explored the roots, manifestation, and impact of gaslighting to help you combat this toxic behavior head-on. We also debunked the common misconception that gaslighting is just a form of disagreement. It’s not. It’s a manipulative, intentional ...
Aug 27, 2024•27 min•Season 13Ep. 270
Do you ever wonder why you seem to make the same mistakes in relationships or attract the same type of people, especially when those people aren't good for you? Today's question comes from a listener who wants to ensure she doesn't make the same mistakes in her new relationship that she did in her old ones. Listen as I share five keys with her about relinquishing the past and moving forward with a clean slate. If you've struggled with the same cycles of behaviors in relationship after relationsh...
Aug 23, 2024•10 min•Season 13Ep. 269
Have you ever been told you're passive-aggressive or been in a relationship with someone who was? We're continuing our "toxic truths" series and discussing this often unspoken and confusing communication pattern. Passive-aggressive people have a hard time being direct and opt for more indirect ways of showing their disapproval, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict in relationships. This episode addresses how to handle and confront passive-aggressive tendencies like nonverbal cue...
Aug 20, 2024•27 min•Season 13Ep. 268
Do you ever wonder if staying in your marriage just to please God is a good enough reason to endure? Today's question from a listener who is wondering this very thing sparked a great conversation about what are the valid reasons to separate or divorce your spouse if you're a Christian. Is staying with your spouse just because the Bible says so or you feel pressure because of your church or religious beliefs enough? Listen as we broach this very timely and important subject that every Christian m...
Aug 16, 2024•11 min•Season 13Ep. 267
Have you heard of the concept of triangulation in relationships? In essence, triangulation involves three people: a victim, a villain, and a hero. It is a method of relating that can involve manipulation and power plays that often ensnare individuals in various types of relationships. Whether it's romantic entanglements, friendships, or a parent-child relationship, triangulation creates a triangular communication pattern between three people, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a deep s...
Aug 13, 2024•33 min•Season 13Ep. 266
Sexless marriages are on the rise, leaving both husband and wife frustrated, lonely, and hurt. Today's question comes from a listener who's been married for 30 years and sexless for one year. He describes in painful detail how his wife's rejection has him leaning toward divorce and how he is tempted consistently. This episode is not for the faint at heart. Listen in as I encourage this husband and anyone else who may be experiencing a sexless marriage how to overcome it and become free to enjoy ...
Aug 09, 2024•14 min•Season 13Ep. 265
Most Christian couples would never think of their spouse or their marriage as an idol. But chances are good that that is exactly what happens in many relationships. On this episode we define what idolatry is in our modern world and how we easily fall into it. What is idolatry in the context of marriage? What are the dangers of making marriage an idol and how do you destroy the idol without destroying the relationship? Throughout the episode, I discuss the dangers of making marriage or a spouse a...
Aug 06, 2024•25 min•Season 13Ep. 264
Have you ever been told you don't speak up enough or you're not "assertive" enough in a relationship? Today's listener question comes from a woman whose husband wants her to not be so submissive but to stand up for what she wants in their marriage. He puts a different spin on submission, which leads her to want to know how she can start asserting herself more in her marriage. It's a great question, and I hope she finds encouragement in my answer. Do you have a relationship question you want me t...
Aug 02, 2024•9 min•Season 13Ep. 263
Today, we’re talking about a different kind of AI: not artificial intelligence but “artificial intimacy.” Why do some people settle for inauthentic, shallow relationships instead of real ones? Drawing parallels between the impact of inauthenticity in relationships and the lack of uniqueness in AI-generated articles, I explained the irreplaceable value of genuine human connection. People choose not to embrace authenticity in their relationships for many reasons, including the fear of rejection. I...
Jul 30, 2024•27 min•Season 13Ep. 262
If you've ever loved someone struggling with addiction, you know how lonely and difficult a journey it can be. Today's question comes from a wife who wants to know what to do about her husband's drinking, especially since he won't admit he has a problem. I share four key points and a few resources with her in hopes of encouraging her to seek help for herself even if her husband won't seek help for his addiction. If you are in a relationship with someone who is addicted to alcohol or other substa...
Jul 26, 2024•11 min•Season 13Ep. 261
Biblical submission has been misinterpreted and misunderstood for ages. Today, the topic can be taboo and controversial, which is why we’re going there! I want to bring a balanced viewpoint to a conversation that is worthy of another godly perspective. My husband, Shaun, is back for this episode, and we begin with a candid discussion about decision-making in marriage. How would you define the concept of mutual submission in marriage? The episode's engagement with biblical passages about wives' s...
Jul 23, 2024•43 min•Season 13Ep. 260
Submission in marriage is a controversial topic, especially among Christians. Should wives submit to their husbands in these days or is submission a thing of the past? A listener asked me this question, and I am addressing this topic on the podcast today. Scriptures such as Ephesians 5 can long be used to support women submitting to their husbands, so let's talk about it. Whether you believe that women should submit to their husbands or not, this episode is sure to be a great conversation piece....
Jul 19, 2024•14 min•Season 13Ep. 259
Do you ever find yourself triggered by the thought of not being enough? Perhaps you believe your abilities fall short, your self-worth is under attack, or your identity is somehow flawed. It's a pervasive feeling that can linger in our minds, affecting both our personal and professional lives. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty of combating those "I'm not enough" thoughts in this universal struggle and shedding light on the roots of these beliefs by providing four powerful keys to overcoming th...
Jul 16, 2024•27 min•Season 13Ep. 258
Marriage counseling is a widely accepted way of receiving marriage help. However, marriage coaching is on the rise, and many couples have experienced lasting and effective results from this process. Today's podcast listener question comes from a guy who thinks his marriage is pretty good yet his wife feels they need marriage counseling. He wants to know the difference between marriage counseling and marriage coaching. Listen as I share six differences between the two and which one might benefit ...
Jul 12, 2024•14 min•Season 13Ep. 257
Prayer is fundamental to any healthy, Christian marriage, so why don't more spouses pray for their marriage? Weariness, disappointment, and apathy are all obstacles we must overcome to develop loving, resilient marriages. Today, I'm sharing five ways to pray for your marriage, using the acronym C.O.V.E.R. If you practice what you hear in today's episode, I am confident your marriage will exponentially change for the better. The key to prayer is trusting in God's timing and His ways. I still reme...
Jul 09, 2024•30 min•Season 13Ep. 256
Today's relationship question comes from a listener who wants to hear she's on the right track healing from the emotional damage of her husband's affair. In this episode, I share five key signs to know if you're on the right track from healing from any relational hurt. I liken healing emotionally to healing physically. The effects are very similar. Remember, everyone heals at a different pace, so be gracious with yourself as you courageously journey forward to healing your broken heart after it'...
Jul 05, 2024•9 min•Season 13Ep. 255
A topic that comes up most often with my marriage coaching clients is what to do when your spouse is emotionally distant. We've covered this marriage issue before on the podcast but because it's an ongoing problem in many marriages, we're bringing it back for a "sweet repeat." If your spouse has a hard time explaining or even understanding their feelings, this episode will encourage you with steps to take to bridge the disconnection gap and rebuild connection in your marriage even with an "emoti...
Jul 02, 2024•34 min•Season 13Ep. 254
Isn't it frustrating when you can't seem to agree on anything in your relationship? Today's question comes from a listener who wants to know how to get his point across without arguing with his spouse. Maybe you've wondered the same. I am sharing a very effective communication tool called the "mirror moment." This is when you explain to your spouse or partner how you feel and help them to do the same. Listen to the full episode to see how this works in action. Resources Mentioned in this Episode...
Jun 28, 2024•9 min•Season 13Ep. 252
Rebuilding trust in your relationship when it has been damaged or destroyed may seem like an impossible feat. However, I believe there are 12 steps every marriage or relationship can benefit from when seeking to rebuild trust. Today's episode is a "sweet repeat" of episode 107 from July, 2022. These timeless truths will help any relationship with trust issues to get unstuck and begin the healing process. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Take the "How Vulnerable is My Relationship to an Affai...
Jun 25, 2024•36 min•Season 13Ep. 253
When someone we love needs support, jumping into advice-giving mode is easy. Instead, we should ask these three powerful questions before dishing out solutions: Do you need a hug? Do you need help? Do you need to be heard? Beginning conversations with these questions deepens our connection and communicates respect, trust, and genuine concern. Recently, one of my marriage coaching clients shared that he started asking his wife three questions when he felt she needed his support. I’m calling it th...
Jun 18, 2024•31 min•Season 13Ep. 251
Today's Q&A is from a listener who believes their marriage is at a breaking point and needs advice on how to tell their spouse they want a divorce. Knowing little about the fallout of this marriage, I first encourage every couple in this situation to re-evaluate your marriage. Oftentimes, your marriage is not as far gone as you may believe. The fact that one spouse is asking how to tell their spouse they want a divorce leads me to believe the divorce is not mutual. Listen as I share a perspe...
Jun 14, 2024•13 min•Season 13Ep. 250
Many marriages face problems and losses that test the very fabric of their relationships. From communication breakdowns to deep-rooted conflicts, navigating through the complexities of a marriage can be difficult. But there is hope. In this episode, we will explore the crucial concept of tearing down and building up in the context of a struggling marriage. Ecclesiastes 3:3 says, “There is a time to tear down and time to build up.” I believe as you work on rebuilding your marriage, there are thre...
Jun 11, 2024•25 min•Season 13Ep. 249
In today's digital age, many affairs start online. Today's question is from a wife whose husband looks at semi-nude pics of women online and gets angry when she confronts him. This listener wants to know how to set boundaries with her husband to change his behavior. Take a listen as I explain how boundaries work in marriage and what she can do if her husband doesn't change his behavior. Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Send an email here or direct message me on Instagram. Resourc...
Jun 07, 2024•10 min•Season 13Ep. 248
Have you ever wondered what happens in a marriage coaching session? Will and Jo, a husband and wife married for three years need help reconnecting after a separation. They willingly discuss the challenges that led them to separate and what they're doing today to make version two of their marriage work. Jo and her husband navigated through financial struggles, boundaries, and the complexities of a blended family. Listen as I guide them through conversations on communication, finances, and the pow...
Jun 04, 2024•35 min•Season 13Ep. 247
One of the most powerful ways to pray is to use the Word of God in your prayers. Scripture teaches us how to enact God's kingdom here on Earth in our lives, including our marriages. Today’s question comes from a listener who listened to another episode I recently shared about prayer and wanted to know how exactly to pray the Scripture over her marriage. Take a listen and employ this simple solution to praying God’s words in faith as you expect Him to work on your behalf. Other Helpful Episodes: ...
May 31, 2024•12 min•Season 13Ep. 246
I don’t know where you are in your marriage today, but I believe God led you to this episode for a purpose. If we’re honest, most married people have thought about divorce at some point in their relationship. Perhaps, right now, you might be about to file papers or maybe you desperately want to help a friend or loved one who is considering divorce. Our culture says divorce is a necessary solution to a broken marriage. But what if it’s not? What if restoration is easier than you think? Our guest ...
May 28, 2024•36 min•Season 13Ep. 245
Whether you have a blended family or not, agreeing on how to parent the kids can be a challenge. Today's question comes from a listener who wants to know how to handle when his wife is too strict with the kids. He's tried bringing the issue to her attention but she gives him the silent treatment. Listen as I share three thoughts on how to agree with your spouse on values even when you disagree on parenting methods. ALSO LISTEN TO: 157: When You Disagree on How to Discipline the Kids Resource Men...
May 24, 2024•10 min•Season 13Ep. 244
Are you frustrated with a husband who isn't taking the lead spiritually in your marriage? In this episode, I provide practical, empowering solutions for wives, giving you the keys to unlocking spiritual intimacy and building a stronger, deeper connection with your husband. From fostering open conversations to offering support and love, I’m sharing three do’s and don’ts to help end the tension in your marriage due to mismatched spiritual paths. We also briefly discuss gender roles in Christianity...
May 21, 2024•30 min•Season 13Ep. 243
Have you ever experienced resentment or boredom in your relationship? A listener wants to know how to overcome feeling stuck between not wanting to be around her husband and not wanting to divorce him either. She acknowledges that while she's trying to work on communication, she's struggling to find motivation and is unsure about the next steps for her marriage. Listen in as we discuss how resentment happens, its relationship to unforgiveness, and some practical steps to take when living in a bo...
May 17, 2024•13 min•Season 13Ep. 242
