There are many things that should be considered at a deeper level BEFORE considering marriage. Oftentimes we place our focus on evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the other person, but it is also important to look inward and evaluate your own emotional health. Read this blog by Aundrea Paxton to find out 3 important questions to ask yourself.

In a culture that values sarcasm and humor over heartfelt openness, creating rich, meaningful friendships can be incredibly difficult. If you’re seeking out more substance in your relationships, how can you begin? In our Christian Perspectives on Relationships course, the panel – Drs. Erik and Donna Thoennes, Dr. Tim and Noreen Muehlhoff, and Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace – share their thoughts in this Q&A session clip.

While we may understand why speaking before listening–giving our opinion without first gathering the facts–is folly, it is interesting that the ancient writer of Proverbs would suggest that speaking before listening is shameful. Read this blog by Dr. Tim Muehlhoff to discover the top 3 barriers to effective listening and how to overcome them.

In his book, Before You Save the Date, author and speaker, Dr. Paul Friesen poses 21 questions dealing with Convictions, Character, Compatibility and Chemistry to help couples assess their decision to move forward with marriage. Whether you are engaged, pre-engaged or just dating, you can use these questions to help you grow closer together and to clarify your relationship. 

Complex emotions like shame, embarrassment and guilt are often the source of deep relational pain, disconnecting us from the ones we love. In this blog, Dr. Chris Grace shares how we can overcome the power of shame and actually use it to strengthen our relationships.

Having healthy conflict, a fair fight, in front of your kids can actually be a wonderful teaching moment! To make sure your healthy conflict is instructive for your kids, keep in mind the guidelines that Willa shares in her blog.

How you interact with another person is the most significant factor in establishing the type of communication climate that surrounds your relationship. In this chapel talk at Biola University, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff and his wife Noreen Muehlhoff delve into the 4 aspects of a communication climate and explain how to cultivate a healthy relationship.

Many people say that their parents never fought in front of them, so they do not have any sort of model for conflict management in the home and often believe that they should actually do the same – and not fight in front of their kids. Read Willa's blog to discover why having healthy conflict, a fair fight, in front of your kids can actually be a good thing!