A Love Language Minute

​Does living together before marriage equip you with needed relationship skills? Dr. Gary Chapman says that may sound logical on the surface; but research bears out that those who live together before marriage are much more likely to divorce.

​What do I do when my spouse always points out my flaws? Dr. Gary Chapman says people rarely respond well to criticism. Agree as a couple, to point out at least one positive thing you see in them each week. You just may see a shift to the positive!

​Dr. Gary Chapman says love is an action, not a feeling. Even if you don't have positive feelings toward your spouse, choose to do something you know they would appreciate whether you feel like it or not. Over time, your spouse will respond to your unconditional love.

Your words have a profound impact on your child. Dr. Gary Chapman says speaking negative or positive words will cause them perceive themselves in light of what you say. Choose your words carefully.

​Dr. Chapman proposes a challenge to couples to make their relationship better. Be open to suggestions for improvement from your spouse, and then commit to work on it. Your efforts will display unconditional love in action.

​My fiancé flirts with other women. How can I trust him? Dr. Gary Chapman says trust has to be won by one's behavior. If he's flirting before marriage, he will flirt after marriage. Deal with this issue before getting married.

​What happens when a married couple has the same love language? Dr. Gary Chapman says having the same love language can be helpful; but it can be further helped by speaking a dialect within the love language to enhance their relationship.

​Expecting your spouse to be the first one to show love misses out on the power of unconditional love. Dr. Gary Chapman says unconditional love is a choice to show love, regardless of whether or not it's reciprocated.

​Will total opposite personalities of a couple spell doom for their relationship? Dr. Gary Chapman says "absolutely not"! There's a lot to be said for the old saying "opposites attract". Just be aware of your personality differences and learn ways to handle those differences.

​What do you do when your work schedule interferes with Quality Time? On A Love Language Minute, Dr. Gary Chapman suggests that both spouses must work together to creatively find time to express each other's love language.

​Behind every abusive tongue is a person of value. As hard as that is to accept, Dr. Gary Chapman says every person is valuable to God. So focus on their worth through the eyes of Christ. You might be God's instrument for helping them to change. Challenging words on A Love Language Minute.

​How important is compatibility in a relationship? Dr. Gary Chapman says compatibility in core issues of life and in our spiritual walk is vital to a successful marriage. Learn more on A Love Language Minute.

​What do abusive words reveal? Dr. Gary Chapman says verbal abuse reveals more about the abuser's need for self-worth than their spouse's character. His advice is to affirm the abuser but NOT the abuse! Words of wisdom on A Love Language Minute.

​Where does our love language come from? Dr. Gary Chapman says it's unclear; but our love language is developed very early in life. It might very well be a matter of nature vs. nurture. Learn more on the next A Love Language Minute.

​My marriage feels like a roommate vs. an intimate relationship. Dr. Gary Chapman says an intimate relationship requires ongoing hard work. A frank conversation that addresses this issue might be the best place to start. It's all on this edition of A Love Language Minute.