“Dating”

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn. The list can go on and on. Social media sites can be found just about anywhere you look. So often we talk about the negative impacts social media can have on relationships but rarely do we flesh out what those are. And even more rarely do we ever consider benefits that social media can bring to our relationships. How has social media impacted your relationships?

How often do you talk with your family about spiritual intimacy? What about with your significant other? These conversations can be hard to start, which is why CMR developed 32 Questions to Deeper Spiritual Intimacy. This questionnaire helps open up the conversation about your relationship with God, what has been hard to handle, what has felt disappointing, or what God seems to be doing currently. Try these questions out today!

"So we had our first date shortly after that camp. I proposed to him during that first date. So there you go...I do remember he dropped his fork back into his plate at that particular moment. So we didn't really talk about it again." Please allow us to introduce you to Mandy Catto. She will be a more regular voice here on the Art of Relationships podcast, as you will hear. In this podcast, we talk about how she met and married her husband, her journey from Scotland to Southern California, her thoughts on American dating culture, and the American church compared to the Scottish church. 

Dear CMR,

My girlfriend and I have been dating for just over a year now and we have hit a snag. Someone suggested that we take a break for a while. Is that a good idea?

Signed,

Tired and Frustrated

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and this time of year, media tells a lot of different stories about what love looks like. Don't set yourself up for disappointment this year. Unrealistic expectations can ruin the day for you and your significant other or your spouse. In this blog, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explains how Hollywood is painting an unrealistic picture of what relationships should look like. 

Dear CMR,

I'll make this short. Is it okay to stay friends with an ex?

Signed,

Relationship Reminiscent 

Every relationship has points of tension that can evolve into fights. Couples can sometimes begin believing that disagreements and fights mean that their relationship is doomed to fail. While that isn't necessarily true, there are some signs that your relationship has taken a dangerous turn and needs to be adjusted. These four signs, outlined by marriage researcher Dr. John Gottman, are signs that your relationship may be in trouble. 

In a culture of relationships, what happens when you find yourself not in one? In a culture that suggests your best life is complete when that other person enters the picture, how do you live as a single person? These questions are the topic of this article by Hannah Ellenwood. She suggests seven things to focus on as you walk through life when dating or marriage is not part of the picture. Read through these points. Which one resonates with you most?