Article

Don't Let Your Spouse Make You Angry

Mike Bechtle

Marriages never thrive when we expect our spouse to be responsible for fixing our feelings. If we own our emotions, we're free to be co-owners of the relationship. Then we can build something great.

Article

Faith Conversation: Listen First, Speak Second

Melissa McNulty

Spouses can't always agree, but how they respond to disagreements can either strengthen or strain their marriage. Learning to listen first and speak second in emotionally charged discussions is important. 

Article

The Question That Helps Me Survive an Argument With My Wife

Gary Morland

Husbands and wives can turn everyday misunderstandings into all-out arguments. But maybe there's something else going on underneath disagreements: an unspoken, subconscious test. Of the husband.

Article

Dealing With Anger in Your Marriage

Erin Smalley

Marriage provides motivation to learn how to manage anger, which often stems from other emotions: hurt, fear or frustration. Here are some healthy ways to deal with anger in your marriage.

Article

6 Tools for Healthy Communication in Marriage

Mike Bechtle

Couples often don’t have a lot of communication tools when they enter marriage. When conversations get tough, they may need better tools than they have. Here are some basic skills they’ll need.

Article

You Can Reduce Negative Reactions in Conflict

Milan Yerkovich and Kay Yerkovich

People often adopt a reaction to stress when they're kids, and the patterns continue into adulthood. But couples can learn to discuss nine points to deepen their understanding of each other.

Article

How to Create Emotional Word Pictures

John Trent and Kari Trent-Stageberg

An emotional word picture is a tool that simultaneously activates the emotions and intellect of the listener. When you use a word picture to communicate, it can go straight into your spouse's heart.

Article

Why You Should Apologize for Careless Words

Gary Chapman

Many husbands refuse to accept responsibility for careless words. When their behavior puts an emotional barrier between them and their wife, it's the husband's responsibility to remove the barrier.

Article

Weigh Your Words

Jill Savage

When we control our tongues, we can build a healthy, nurturing marriage. Exercising self-control in the little things may even help strengthen us to overcome temptation in the bigger things.

Episode

Establishing Good Communication in Your Marriage (Part 2 of 2)

Based on his book Honey, We Need to Talk, Dr. David Clarke explains how couples can strengthen their marriage by improving their communication skills. Discussion topics include typical communication styles of men and women, how men can be more intentional in initiating conversations, how to better navigate conflict, and more. (Part 2 of 2)

Episode

Establishing Good Communication in Your Marriage (Part 1 of 2)

Based on his book Honey, We Need to Talk, Dr. David Clarke explains how couples can strengthen their marriage by improving their communication skills. Discussion topics include typical communication styles of men and women, how men can be more intentional in initiating conversations, how to better navigate conflict, and more. (Part 1 of 2)

Article

When Talking Doesn't Come Easily

Dr. David Clarke

I have a great conversation tool I’ve used for 25 years. Throughout your day, record things to share with your wife. Making notes is a simple act that’s the basis for what I call “couple talk times.”

Article

Head Games

Jim Daly

Guys, we can resolve disagreements a lot more quickly, and with better results, if we see our wives not as opponents to be outplayed, but as teammates. Let's be men who can disagree, discuss — and then move on.

Article

Can You Be Totally Honest With Your Wife?

Phil Callaway

 One man accepts the challenge to be perfectly honest for a year. He failed many times; however, his wife prefers the man of integrity that he has become through the efforts of being more edifying.

Article

Java With Juli: Love Your Husband by Loving Your Mother-in-Law

Juli Slattery

By building a good relationship with your husband's mom, you can show your husband that you love him. Here are some ways you can reach out to your mother-in-law and create a peaceful family bond.

Article

Java with Juli: Fighting Fair

Juli Slattery

All couples disagree at times — money, in-laws, sex, the laundry. Conflict seems to be a necessary evil in marriage. But did you know that how you fight is more important than what you fight about?

Series

Communication for Military Families

The challenges military families face aren't for the weak. But by intentionally building strong communication skills, families who serve can overcome obstacle together and be closer as a result.

Article

Military Family: Homecoming After Deployment

April Lakata Cao

Homecoming is fraught with emotion and expectation. Ensure a smoother transition for growing together after being apart that includes the simple joys of family and clear, steady communication.

Article

Understanding Your Feelings to Stay Connected In Your Marriage

David and Jan Stoop

We can improve our ability to control our emotions. The skills we develop can make us more aware of what we are feeling, which can help us break the cycles in the way we interact with our spouse.

Article

Operation: Communication

Ryaja Johnson Rhone

Couples with military training often show composure in tough times. But that strength can mask the needs of real people who long to be open with each other. Marriages suffer if these needs aren't met.

Article

How to Warm Up a Winter Season in Your Marriage

Erin Smalley

Every marriage has seasons that change over time. Wives, you don’t have to be stuck in a “winter” period. If you pursue your spouse, the emotional climate of your marriage can change for the better.

Episode

Managing Marriage Conflicts in Healthy Ways

Dr. Greg and Mrs. Erin Smalley explain how conflict, if handled well, can actually strengthen a marriage, and offer practical advice for navigating disagreements, so that they lead to relational intimacy, rather than division.

Article

When a Man Listens to a Woman

Dr. David Clarke

If you don't listen to your wife, she might not feel loved. She could feel frustrated, hurt and rejected. Fortunately, there are practical things you can do to stay focused while your wife is talking.