“Dating”

Do you find yourself settling for crappy relationships more often that not? Today's Ask the Expert from professional counselor and speaker Debra Fileta will encourage you to see yourself for what you are truly worth: loved, valued, and worthy.

Dating always comes with challenges, but dating during quarantine is uniquely difficult. Chris Grace and Tim Muehlhoff chatted over Zoom this week to provide practical wisdom for developing healthy intimacy in new relationships.

Chris and Tim answer questions about how to handle jealousy in dating relationships, the role friendships play in a happy marriage, and tools for healthy conflict resolution. 

Dear CMR,

I have been dating a Christian guy for six months now. He recently told me that he has struggled with porn for 14 years. He is 28 and watches porn a few times a week. He wants me to forgive/extend grace to him while he is working on overcoming his addiction. Is it good or healthy for me to stay in a relationship with someone who is struggling with porn?

Signed, A.

We often focus on negative aspects to avoid when evaluating relationships. But what makes a good relationship? In this episode, Tim and Chris discuss a few indicators of healthy relationships.

Doesn’t it make sense to save money by living together before marriage? According to research, cohabitation actually has negative consequences on the longevity of the relationship. In this episode, we share fascinating insights on the differences between couples who are cohabitating and couples who are married.

Dear CMR,

Suppose two people are dating in which there is a mutual commitment before God for marriage in the future. Is it wrong for a man to treat her with the same love and care that he would his wife while only dating? 

Thanks, 

Timing is Everything

When we find someone who is compatible with us, we most likely find that person more attractive, develop greater intimacy and connection, and establish a solid friendship. It is clear that compatibility matters – so what are the types of compatibility that are most important to determining relational health and success? In this podcast, we explore three types of core compatibility and what they mean for our relationships.