Communication and Conflict
Initiative
Have You Lost Hope in Your Marriage?
For Couples in Crisis ... You can still put the pieces back together with Hope Restored
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Article
Weigh Your Words
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.
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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)
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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)
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Article
When Talking Doesn't Come Easily
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.”
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Article
Head Games
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.
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Article
Can You Be Totally Honest With Your Wife?
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.
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Article
Java With Juli: Love Your Husband by Loving Your Mother-in-Law
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.
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Article
Java with Juli: Fighting Fair
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?
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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.
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Article
Military Family: Homecoming After Deployment
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.
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Article
Understanding Your Feelings to Stay Connected In Your Marriage
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.
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Article
Operation: Communication
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.
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Article
How to Warm Up a Winter Season in Your Marriage
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.
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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.
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Article
When a Man Listens to a Woman
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.
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Article
White Lies Are Still Lies No Matter the Intent
Lying is almost always about protecting self. When we're tempted to lie, we can ask ourselves, What does this fib do for me? Then we can ask, What are the personal and relational costs of this lie?
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Article
To Resolve Conflict, Open Your Heart
Once conflict begins, it's hard to defuse. Before you can begin to talk over the conflict like reasonable, loving adults, you have to pry your closed hearts open again.
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Article
Choose Wisely... Words Matter
In marriage and other relationships, words are powerful. Search for those words that will carry beauty into your home and your heart.
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Article
5 Ways to Stay on the Same Team
If you and your spouse are going to function as teammates in marriage, you need to actually understand each other's situation and validate each other.
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Article
Four Types of Communication to Strengthen Your Marriage
Communication can be tricky to define, much less do well. It involves four different types of interactions we use, and each type is critical to a high-functioning relationship.
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Article
Talking About Touchy Topics
As a husband, you don't want to ignore issues, but you don't want to be a bully. How can you find a healthy balance? Think CR-V: compliment, request and value.
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Article
Married to a Secret Agent
Your Secret Agent is intimacy-challenged. He or she may have no trouble talking about superficial things. But he or she closes down when it comes to any personal, below-the-surface conversation.
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Article
Who Did You Marry?: Understanding Your Spouse
People who have been staunchly committed to faith and family fall into trouble when they don't grow with their spouse. We need to continually "update" our knowledge about our husband or wife.
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