"Is it okay for a married person to have a close friend of the opposite sex? Why or why not?"

Continuing their discussion of influence and it's role in relationships, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff turn their focus to marriage. In marriage, what role does influence play? How much influence should there be in decision making? How does your spouse express their opinions and desires? Do you have the chance to express yours? Listen as they discuss influence. Does it spark any thoughts on your own relationship? Share with us!

Sometimes, when interacting with other people we can default to showing the things about us that we believe will make us most interesting to them. However, in order to connect with others and give them a sense of being understood and listened to, we can change our approach from being trying to be interesting to being interested. Just how is that done? What will that do for the people we spend time with?

How important is it to be able to influence the decisions or direction in your relationships? A vital part of relationships is listening to each other. But, if your opinions or thoughts do not impact another person, is that something that should be addressed? Today, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff and Dr. Chris Grace talk through when you are not able to influence people close to you and what that might mean in your relationships.

Dr. Chris Grace offers some very practical, simple ways to communicate your support and encouragement to newly married couples. Try some of them out and let us know how the couple responds!

“How close is too close?” is a common question regarding opposite-sex friendships for people in relationships. Dr. Chris Grace explains shares his thoughts and insight on how opposite-sex friendships influence a marriage!

What influences you? Are you drawn to certain personalities over others? Do you trust people instinctively, even if you have just met them? Where does the ability to influence others come from? Today, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff talk through the power of influence in our lives.

Friendship can be a strong source of joy and encouragement in your life, both same-sex and opposite-sex friendships. However, when you marry, there are different perspectives on whether or not those close friendships of the opposite-sex should continue. Listen as Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff approach this issue from different perspectives. Which side of the issue do you find yourself on?

Friendships come and go, but what are the signs of a long-lasting, healthy friendship? Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss the signs of a healthy friendship in today's Art of Relationships Podcast.

Friendships are supposed to be life-giving, but what happens when they are not? What can you look for in friendships that bring the opposite? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss how to identify and deal with toxic friendships.