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Growing up, most of us assumed that we will find an intimate other who would be our perfect match. In this blog, Dr. Chris Grace explores three types of compatibility that many experts agree are the most important when it comes to determining relationship health and success: personality, conflict and spiritual compatibility. Read to find out how to foster intimacy with the deepest types of core compatibilities.

Compatibility is a popular but confusing term. How do we know if it is a good match? Does it matter if we are generally more similar or different? Not all compatibility is created equally. In fact, matching up in one area may be pleasing and highly desirable, but may not be a good measure of future relationship health or success. Here are some things to think about, some things to avoid, and some things to be vigilant and prayerful about when it comes to compatibility with that special someone.

It’s happening again: your spouse made plans without telling you, or forgot to put the toilet seat down, or didn’t offer to do the dishes, and you’re seeing red. But are you really angry about the dishes? When emotions get triggered during hot button conflicts, it is important to be able to identify those hidden issues and understand what is happening at a deeper level. In this video, Dr. Chris Grace and Alisa Grace discuss how to understand one another and communicate when conflict arises in your relationship.

When marriage vows are made, they are made to each other but the covenant commitment is with God. It is our relationship with God that helps us be faithful through being rich or poor, sick or healthy, until death parts us. Read this blog to unpack the importance of this truth.

When God sees that my spouse is about to be hurt, couldn’t he simply step in and protect him? Tim Muehlhoff addresses this question in the last post of this series on pain, suffering and evil. 

While there are many ways that a father leads, one of the most important is in being a role model – leading by example and modeling a life for his children to adopt. As a father, it is inevitable that you will be followed. Read this blog for Rick Langer's insights on how to walk as the followed.

Summer is just around the corner! That means (hopefully!) a more relaxed schedule, more time for leisure activities, and the opportunity for a vacation/stay-cation. Vacations are a wonderful time to be able to relax, and to reconnect with each other, with family and friends alike. Here are some suggestions to help you in being intentional about connecting in ways that will build your relationship.

In Part 2 of this series on evil, pain and suffering, Tim addresses the difficult question: why would God even allow the possibility of evil and suffering? It is in this world of pain and evil that we—Christian and non-Christians alike—seek to cultivate flourishing marriages. What’s hard for followers of Christ is that God doesn’t always protect us, or our marriages from suffering.