“Communication”

Dear CMR,

I am in friendships that I am worried might be manipulative. What are some ways that I can recognize manipulation within friendships or relationships?

Signed, 

Curious and Questioning

According to leading marriage researcher John Gottman, there are seven qualities of a happy marriage. In this video, Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace explain these seven traits and their roles within relationships.

In a world that says you have to have it all, how should we respond? More importantly, how do we develop an attitude of contentment? In this podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explain how to foster contentment and joy in an age of discontent.

Dear CMR:

Should I ever date someone that I know I’m not attracted to? I’m worried that it may set the other person up for heartbreak if I do.

Signed,

Willing, But Unsure

In this video, Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explains that there are two levels of communication: relational communication and content communication. Does his explanation put things in a new light for you?

No marriage is immune from struggle. Because we are part of the body of Christ, we have a corporate responsibility to support each other, particularly when things get difficult. 

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 this podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff discuss how to identify and deal with toxic friendships.

Dear CMR, 

My spouse has a co-worker that is overly friendly and it is creating fears, doubts and insecurities in me. I feel my spouse is not seeing the possible danger, and is even off-putting to my concerns. I fear there are unhealthy boundaries and just worry about a “slip-up,” or that they are missing the beginning of an emotional affair. Any help would be great.

Signed, 

Concerned and Curious