Managing Family Finances Together

On Death, Emotional Distress and Attractiveness

Doug discusses the writings of Arthur Brooks as he talks about death, emotional distress and attractiveness.   3:43-On Death  and How it Relates to Happiness 12:47- On Emotional Distress 24:15 Leah-What are your thoughts are for having a dating relationships with someone who has an eating disorder that is undiagnosed and untreated? 36:43 Deedee-Regarding Arthur Brooks. I remember seeing him on Oprah. I remember he said happiness is not a destination but a direction. Can you expound on that? Is this true? 40:49- On  what women and men find attractive in each other.   https://www.arthurbrooks.com/ [https://www.arthurbrooks.com/] https://www.arthurbrooks.com/blog-posts/why-contemplating-your-death-might-make-you-happier [https://www.arthurbrooks.com/blog-posts/why-contemplating-your-death-might-make-you-happier]

How to deal with non-practicing children and other topics

Doug answers numerous questions from emailers ranging from non practicing son coming home with his family; how to live with an alcoholic spouse and fatherly relationship compared to God the father relationship 3:45-How to handle a son who got married outside the Church and wants to bring his family home for a visit 12:14-How to live with an alcoholic spouse  24:44 Susan-I have a friend who was married in city hall. She and her spouse are Catholic. Do they have the same obligation to stay in that marriage as Catholics who marry in the Church? 28:20 Catherine -Our son was married outside the church and we didn't attend his wedding. He left the faith. Was it wrong for us not to go? 39:07-How does one's relationship with her earthly father affect how she views God the father.   44:41- Kate-Our son married outside the Church 17 years ago. We did attend the wedding and embraced her. 6 years into the marriage she converted and became devout. 47:23-Should we break the family up if our child is not practicing the faith and wants to get married outside the Church?

Attachment Styles

Adam Lane Smith joins Doug as they talk about exploring how to form secure attachment bonds with your spouse, children and friends.  Ben--My biggest challenge is coming to my wife and she turns things on me. I don't want things to blow up but they always do.  How do I prevent that?  (26:09) Gene-My wife ignores me and I'm avoidant because it always leads to an argument. (30:06) Mary-My husband has become very distant in the last couple years. Last night he said we don't want to married anymore. (38:51)

Relationships Parenting & Perspective

What do you do when your future father-in-law is getting in between you and your fiancé? Should you talk to your daughter about concerns you have with her 11-year-old? Should you be concerned that your daughter is dating a single dad? Doug goes to the mail bag.   Listener questions and comments: * Brenda - I am a single mother and I think that it takes a lot of discernment. It’s hard because my son’s feelings matter as well if he gets attached to a guy and I break up. (19:56)   Resources: Prior Propper Planning is Critical https://relevantradio.com/2026/07/prior-propper-planning-is-critical/ [https://relevantradio.com/2026/07/prior-propper-planning-is-critical/]

Prior Propper Planning is Critical

Doug shares tips for surviving the 4th of July picnic with family while avoiding arguments.   Listener questions and comments: * Doug - At the family functions there is an emphasis on the drinking during the 4th. I can’t drink because my dad is an alcoholic so I want to know what I should do. (29:27) * Jane - My son in law's father died from alcohol and I find that he drinks too much. What should I do? Should I say something? (38:42) * Julie - For the 4th I always use leading questions like you do in the beginning of your show that are not threatening at the dinner table. (44:23) * Judy - My husband was an alcoholic and I want to say having beer and wine around isn’t the solution if the problem is hard stuff. But prayer is the best thing to do. (46:16)   Resources: Reasons we argue at family gatherings 1. Family knows where the hot buttons are 2. We tend to regress when we are around family 3. Holidays are loaded with expectations 4. The weather adds fuel to the fire   8 tips to avoid unnecessary arguments 1. Decide before you arrive, what person you want to be 2. Know your triggers – What topics usually get you hooked? 3. Stop trying to change people at the picnic table 4. Use some short boundary statements 5. Lower the temperature instead of raising it 6. Change the topic 7. Change the setting 8. Come up with a code word for you and your spouse to use