Catholic Parenting and Sexual Identity

10 Keys to a Happy Marriage

Doug shares 10 practical habits that can help couples build a happy and successful marriage. The conversation also touches on infidelity, hoarding, forgiveness, and mental health struggles that can impact relationships. Resources:  https://internationalforgiveness.com/ [https://internationalforgiveness.com/]   https://www.internationalhoardingalliance.org/ [https://www.internationalhoardingalliance.org/]    https://www.nami.org/ [https://www.nami.org/]

Can Marriage Survive Infidelity?

Doug looks at the marriage of Al and Lisa Robertson from Duck Dynasty and their journey through infidelity and reconciliation. Listeners also share stories of addiction, emotional affairs, and fighting to save a sacramental marriage. Listener questions and comments: * Ron – How should I guide my son after his arrest for drug-related charges? * Al – My sister and brother-in-law survived infidelity, and I encouraged her to keep fighting for their sacramental marriage. Supporting her gave her hope to work through it. * Caller – My husband had an emotional relationship with a coworker, and even though we stayed married, the doubts still linger in the back of my mind. Resources:  St. Mark Ji Tianxiang: opium addict, martyr and saint--Aleteia [https://aleteia.org/2017/07/06/he-was-an-opium-addict-who-couldnt-receive-the-sacraments-but-hes-a-martyr-and-a-saint/] https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/news/how-duck-dynasty-star-al-robertson-s-wife-regained-his-trust-after-affair-i-changed-the-way-i-dressed-talked/ar-AA23iEfE [https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/news/how-duck-dynasty-star-al-robertson-s-wife-regained-his-trust-after-affair-i-changed-the-way-i-dressed-talked/ar-AA23iEfE]

Managing Family Finances Together

Is money causing stress in your marriage? Today, Doug is joined by Preston Allex to talk through practical ways to manage family finances. They cover why creating a family budget matters and how to support college-aged kids as they transition into independence. They also share the value of Catholic Legacy: Faithful planning for a peaceful tomorrow.   Listener questions and comments: * Tony - My wife and I have a big family, and we have no credit card or debt, but also no savings. We rely on divine providence, hoping everything works out month to month, but it’s getting old. What do we do? (18:26) * Kathy - My husband and I paid our kids’ deposit and a month's rent to help them launch. (29:49)   Resources: Catholic Legacy https://catholiclegacy.com/ [https://catholiclegacy.com/]

The Perfect Apology

Doug discusses forgiveness. He also shares how to make the perfect apology and give the perfect compliment.   Listener questions and comments: * Deedee - I like the idea of being specific with compliments. It shouldn’t be just in marriage but all your friendships. (38:56) * Jeff - What you just went through and outlined for couples, could you also apply this to singles? Is the Christian life best lived in community? (43:01)   Resources:   Lovemaking: How to Talk about Sex with Your Spouse - A Guide for Everyday Catholics https://www.amazon.com/Lovemaking-Talk-about-Your-Spouse/dp/164680371X [https://www.amazon.com/Lovemaking-Talk-about-Your-Spouse/dp/164680371X]   God’s plan for your marriage https://godsplanforyourmarriagebook.com/ [https://godsplanforyourmarriagebook.com/]   Holy Sex https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Sex-Toe-Curling-Mind-Blowing-Infallible/dp/0824524713 [https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Sex-Toe-Curling-Mind-Blowing-Infallible/dp/0824524713]   Making a good apology 1. Acknowledge the offense 2. Express remorse 3. Make amends   Giving an effective compliment 1. Be specific 2. Name a particular virtue 3. Tell your spouse why it mattered 4. A good compliment should be timely 5. It’s all about them not about you

Can Marriage Survive Without Love?

What should you do if your Mother’s Day was a bust? What should you do if after 35 years there is no love left and you wish you had never married your husband? Doug goes to the mailbag answering these questions and more.   Listener question and comments: * Chris - My wife says I don’t speak to her kindly. She will ask me to explain something and I won’t be super nice, I guess. (24:28) * Felipe - I have recently been introduced to Agape Love and it completely changed my outlook of marriage. (27:28)   Resources:   The Forgiveness Institute https://internationalforgiveness.com/ [https://internationalforgiveness.com/]