“Engagement”

Dear CMR,

I have been dating my girlfriend for five years, and I’m getting ready to propose. She has taken out loans to pay for grad school, but I have a nest egg I can use to pay them off now. If we are getting married in 1.5 years, should I pay off her school loan now or wait until we are married?

Signed,

Avoiding Debt

Chris and Tim got together over Zoom this week to answer listener questions on the Art of Relationships podcast. Today’s topic covers accountability partners: is it okay to be accountability partners with the person you are dating? What is the line between authenticity and oversharing?

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.

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.

Dr. Chris Grace walks readers through commonly believed statistics about divorce. Maybe some of them aren’t as accurate as we think!

Willa Williams (LMFT) explains why premarital counseling can benefit every couple before they obtain their marriage license.

Dr. Tim Muehlhoff explains a communication principle today that might have you re-think the idea that no one can tell if you’re upset.

Dear CMR, 

I am engaged and pregnant.  I have two kids at home and my fiancé has two that are grown. How soon should we get married and how soon should our kids be told? 

Signed, Engaged and Pregnant