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Relationships & Marriage Q&As

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Sexual Expression and Fantasy in Marriage

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?

messy room

Spouse Is a “Messie”

How can I get my husband to help keep the house clean? I never noticed that he was a “messie” before we were married because his roommates were neat and tidy. Since I’m the one who likes the house clean and orderly, I’m the one who picks up after him and does all the housework. …

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Temptation, Prayer, and Spiritual Vigilance

Won’t God protect me from temptation if I pray? Here’s my reason for asking. Though I’m unaware of any immediate threat to the health and well-being of my marriage, I’m still afraid that, somehow, someday, I may trip up and fall into an adulterous affair. I recently heard a man confess that this very thing …

couple talking outside close together

What It Means to Be “Unequally Yoked”

Is it a sin to marry a non-Christian? I’m dating a woman who isn’t a believer, and my parents and friends keep quoting the Bible: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” But the context and original Greek language of that verse suggest that Paul is writing specifically about believers’ avoiding idolatry.

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Woman Is Sexually Unresponsive

Is it wrong that I don’t want to have sexual intercourse as often as my husband does? Is my libido unhealthy or deficient? I try to accommodate him as often as I can, both out of love and a sense of duty, but there are times when I simply can’t respond no matter how hard …

man on couch reading Bible

Biblical Perspectives on Polygamy and Polyamory

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 …

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Combat Veterans and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

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 …

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Dealing With a Touchy Spouse

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?

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Engaged: What to Do With Photos of Ex-Girlfriends

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 …

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Girlfriend Is Pregnant: Marriage As a Possible Solution

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, …

worried married woman

Husband and Stepdad Viewing Child Pornography

How would you advise a woman who just found out that her husband is viewing child pornography?

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In-Law Conflicts: Favoritism

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 …

woman looking at stocks on computer and phone

Marriage and Finances: Guidelines for Investing

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 …

woman angry with husband

My Wife Is Physically Abusive

How should I respond to a wife who has a tendency to resort to violence?

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Pornography As Grounds for Divorce

Is my spouse’s use of pornography the same thing as marital infidelity?

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Reconciling a Broken Marriage

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?

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Sexual Intimacy After Mastectomy/Hysterectomy

Is it normal for a husband to lose interest in sex after his wife has had a hysterectomy or mastectomy? Several years ago I underwent a hysterectomy. More recently, a bout with cancer meant the loss of one of my breasts. That’s bad enough, but it gets worse: since my last surgery, my husband has …

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Spouse Is Insensitive, Wants To “Fix” Everything

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 …

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The Apostle Paul on Marriage and Singleness

Does the Bible consider marriage a kind of second-class state?

upset man sitting on therapist couch

When and How to Tell Family About Marital Crisis

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 …