Is living together before marriage a good test of marital compatibility? My boyfriend and I both come from broken homes. We’ve been talking about spending our lives together, but we’re afraid of ending up divorced like our parents. How do you suggest we handle this?
Relationships & Marriage Q&As
Is it appropriate for cousins or other relatives to marry?
How can my spouse and I overcome growing feelings of estrangement and regain the closeness we had in the early days of our marriage? We both lead extremely busy lives. My husband’s workload should ease up soon, but in the meantime I sense that he’s becoming increasingly distant from me emotionally. What can I do …
Should I accept a Facebook “friend” request from a former boyfriend? He has indicated an interest in connecting with me via social media. I’m very much in love with and committed to my husband, so I feel sure that this will not pose a threat to our marriage relationship. What do you think?
Do kids really change your life — and your relationship with your spouse — as much as some people claim they do? My spouse and I have been thinking about starting a family, but we’re nervous about “taking the plunge.” Are we worrying unnecessarily?<
How can we move forward in our marriage after going through a crisis of infidelity? A year and a half ago, I committed adultery. My spouse says he forgives me, but it’s obvious that he still has a lot of anger. I’m doing everything I can to show him that I love him and that …
How can I best relate to my unbelieving spouse? I understand now why the Bible urges us not to be “unequally yoked.” We’re not on the same page spiritually, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to reconcile our differences in this area. What would you recommend?
Is it appropriate for my parents to insist that I – a thirty-something single mom – allow them to “vet” the men in my life? My mom in particular insists that this is going to happen. She claims that it’s her prerogative and responsibility as a Christian parent. I have a potential suitor who is …
Should my spouse and I help our adult son deal with his financial struggles? This is becoming a serious disagreement in our marriage. He’s moved out of the house, but he simply isn’t making it. I’m really worried about him. When I suggest that we offer him some monetary support, my spouse calls me a …
Can my spouse and I do anything to affair-proof our relationship? It seems like adultery is becoming more common these days. Although there’s nothing wrong with our marriage, I wonder if there’s something specific we can do to make sure infidelity never becomes an issue. Any thoughts?
Is marital sex really more satisfying? I’m in a difficult marriage, and one of the biggest sore spots between me and my wife is the whole issue of sex. I feel deprived. Sometimes I’m even tempted to explore the possibility of getting my needs met somewhere else. I read an article claiming that married couples …
How can I encourage my spouse to do the hard work of talking about the unresolved issues that are boiling beneath the surface of our marriage? He avoids conflict and seems to want “peace at any price.” As a result, we’re growing more emotionally distant with every passing day. Is there a way to turn …
Does the fact that I’m not ready to sleep in the same bed with my husband since learning of his affair mean that I haven’t forgiven him? Several months ago I discovered that he had been involved with another woman for more than four years. He’s sorry about it now and has cut off the …
What’s your opinion about using birth control?
Is it wrong for me to be dating a woman who is much younger than I am? I’m 41 and she’s 25. We’ve been together about six months and have a great relationship. We also share a strong faith and have many goals and interests in common. The subject of marriage has come up, but …
What should I do about my boyfriend who recently cheated on me? We’ve been living together for the past couple of years, but I recently found out that he’s been sexting a “friend” of mine. When I confronted him, he said it’s my fault. Then he left me and our baby and is now staying …
How can I get my husband to forgive me for being so harsh with him in the past? I know I’ve been overly critical of him, and as a result we’re now sleeping in separate rooms and living separate lives under the same roof. Can you help us turn this situation around and move forward …
Do you have any advice regarding the care of an aging spouse with serious health challenges? My husband and I are both getting on in years. I’m still healthy, but he isn’t. As a result, I’ve become his caregiver, and we’ve lost a lot of our social life. Other couples our age are still able …
Is it okay to connect with former dating partners on Facebook? While browsing around online I ran across an old boyfriend from my high school and college days. It’s been years since we’ve been in touch and I’m curious to know what he’s been up to. I’m very much in love with my husband and …
How exactly does Satan destroy families? I’ve heard it said many times that he is out to wreck marriages and families. I’m not denying this – I realize that the unseen spiritual battles that surround us are very real – but I don’t have any clear idea of precisely how the devil might try to …
