If we are honest, we must admit that we are not the best at communicating our feelings or resolving conflict. It may be because these things were not well-modeled for us, or perhaps we're just not very skilled at them. First, in this first in a series of three blogs, Willa Williams (MA, LMFT) describes seven reasons why we fail to communicate and resolve conflict well. Parts two and three will focus on why we should and how we can do them well, giving us the skills we need to cultivate a healthy relationship.

Life is busy, and sometimes that busyness means that your spouse gets pushed to the wayside. If you’ve fallen into a relational rut and want to rekindle that spark in your marriage, check out our latest video blog on the CMR website.

Dads play a vital role in a child’s development mentally, physically, and spiritually. And while fatherhood in itself may raise feelings of appreciation, resentment, or even regret, it is never too late to be fathered or be a father. In this candid blog based on her relationship with her own dad, Dr. Aundrea Paxton, Psy. D, breaks down three reasons why everyone needs a dad in their life, whether it is their biological father or someone else.

We are in the age of constant connection. It's not that technology is bad, the problem is that the poor use of it can negatively impact our relationships. While technology makes it easier to connect with those who are far from us, if not used wisely, it can also make it more difficult for us to stay connected with those who are near to us. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss the pros and cons of current technology and how they influence our relationships.

Timing is essential in every relationship. If a couple has a firm, Christ-centered relationship and plans to get married, is it ok for him to treat her like he would a wife while they're only dating? In today’s post, Dr. Chris Grace answers the question of what is appropriate in a serious pre-engagement relationship.

Conflict is inevitable within every relationship, but how we confront one another is critical for the flourishing of the relationship. How do we initiate hard conversations well so that they can be fruitful and mutually beneficial? In today's video, Noreen Muehlhoff, Dr. Donna Thoennes and Dr. Erik Thoennes discuss what it means to have confrontation with the goal of edification and how that allows the relationship to go deeper. 

One hallmark of authentic Christian relationships is consistently putting a friend or spouse’s needs above our own, yet we are often blind to our own selfish inclinations. That's why Scripture advocates regular times of solitude and self-reflection. The problem is research shows that we don't really know how to comfortably be alone with our thoughts, choosing instead to use our smart phones and other technologies for entertainment and distraction. In today's blog, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff offers practical ways to engage with God in solitude and counter our negative thoughts about others with prayer.

Relationships are hard work, and parenting is certainly no exception. Child psychologists say that ages newborn to six are extremely formative in a child's self-identity, making it critical to establish a healthy parenting philosophy early on. In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explore the different seasons of parenting styles and offer practical ways to foster healthy relationships with your children.