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Topic: Communication

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Willa Williams smiling in a circular portrait against a yellow patterned background with the text “Ask the Expert.”

Ask the Expert: “How do I get past trust issues when my partner has lied to me multiple times?”

September 2, 2026 — Willa Williams

When trust has been broken by repeated lies, rebuilding it takes more than an apology. Willa Williams shares practical steps for both partners to begin restoring honesty, emotional safety, and connection through consistent actions, healthy boundaries, forgiveness, prayer, and intentional trust-building over time.

Your Relationships Are Only as Strong as Your Skills with Debra Fileta

April 8, 2026 — Chris Grace, Debra Fileta

Most of us think we’re good with people but strong relationships require more than good intentions. In this episode, Chris Grace sits down with counselor and author Debra Fileta to talk about the people skills that make or break connection. From learning to take ownership and recognize your relational filters to moving beyond surface-level conversations, this episode offers practical insight for anyone who wants healthier, deeper relationships.

Five college-aged women standing together talking outside on a sunny campus walkway.

How to Cope with an Emotionally Draining Friendship

April 1, 2026 — Alisa Grace, Chris Grace

Friendships are meant to be life-giving, but some relationships can leave us feeling emotionally exhausted. Learn how to recognize the signs of an emotionally draining friendship and discover healthy ways to set boundaries while still caring for your friend.

Two college students walking together and talking on a tree-lined campus walkway.

10 Signs of a Rock-Solid Friendship

March 18, 2026 — Chris Grace, Alisa Grace

What makes a friendship truly strong? Healthy friendships are marked by trust, joy, vulnerability, and commitment. Explore 10 signs of a rock-solid friendship and discover what helps relationships thrive over time.

A young couple stands facing each other outdoors. The man, wearing a yellow T-shirt, has his arms crossed and looks serious. The woman, dressed in a light pink blouse and white pants, touches her face with her eyes closed, appearing frustrated or upset.

How to Communicate with a Defensive Person (Without Escalating the Conflict)

March 4, 2026 — CMR Staff

You bring up something small, and suddenly it feels like you’re in a courtroom instead of a conversation. If you’ve ever tried to talk with someone who gets defensive, you know how quickly connection can unravel. In this research-informed and biblically grounded guide, we walk through practical tools from John Gottman’s work and Scripture to help you lower defensiveness, communicate clearly, and stay connected even in hard conversations.

Attachment Styles: How Your Childhood Shapes Your Relationships

December 3, 2025 — Willa Williams, Alisa Grace

Your childhood home shapes far more than your memories—it shapes how you love today. In this episode, Alisa Grace and LMFT Willa Williams unpack how family of origin forms your attachment style and why it affects marriage, conflict, and even your view of God. Learn how to identify your patterns and begin the journey toward secure, healthy relationships.

Woman shrugging shoulders and looking confused at other woman she is speaking with

Four Communication Habits That Destroy Relationships

November 12, 2025 — Tatum Munivez

Conflict isn’t the problem—how we handle it is. Research shows that four common communication patterns can quietly erode connection between couples. But with awareness and intentional practice, we can replace these habits with gentle, humble, love. Here’s how to recognize the “Four Horsemen” and respond with wisdom that builds trust and intimacy.

Wife leaning head on the shoulder of husband

The Hidden “Software” Running Every Relationship

October 29, 2025 — Tuvya Zaretsky

Think you and your spouse speak the same language? You might be surprised. Each of us brings a unique “personal culture” into every relationship—shaped by our upbringing, experiences, and assumptions. When those hidden differences collide, misunderstandings can quickly follow. Learning to recognize your personal cultural “software” can deepen empathy, improve communication, and transform how you connect.

Mom and Dad playing with two children - one boy and one girl

6 Ways You’re Teaching Your Kids Relationship-Killers

August 6, 2025 — Alisa Grace

Your kids are always watching—even when you don't realize it. Could the way you handle conflict, criticism, or communication be unintentionally teaching them how to destroy relationships? Discover six subtle habits that may be shaping your child’s future more than you think—and how to model something better.

How to Have Hard Conversations Without Losing the Relationship

May 20, 2025 — Chris Grace, Alisa Grace

Ever feel stuck avoiding a conversation because you're afraid it might damage the relationship? In this episode of The Art of Relationships, Chris and Alisa Grace share practical and biblical tools for navigating hard conversations with humility, clarity, and grace. From preparing your heart to using the affirmation sandwich technique, they offer actionable advice to help you communicate honestly while preserving trust and connection in any relationship.

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