102. Tricky Topic #1: Breakups (with Chris & Alisa Grace)

Breaking up is hard to do—but sometimes the hardest part is knowing when it’s time to let go. Why do we avoid the conversation we know we need to have? In the first episode of our new Tricky Topics of Conversation series, we’re joined by Chris and Alisa Grace of Biola University’s Center for Marriage and Relationships to talk about the complicated world of breakups. From avoiding hurt feelings and awkward face-to-face conversations to fearing loneliness, we explore why ending a relationship can be so difficult, what it looks like to break up in a healthy way, and how to move forward after the hurt.

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Dr. Chris and Alisa Grace met in 1986 when they were seated at the “singles” table at a friend’s wedding. He fell in love with her quick wit, she fell in love with his motorcycle, and (after selling the motorcycle to buy her engagement ring) they were married just a year later. Now, for more than 35 years, the Graces have been writing, teaching, and speaking nationally to thousands of couples, families, and college students on healthy, Christ-centered relationships. Together, they founded and direct the Center for Marriage and Relationships at Biola University, where Chris is also a social psychologist/full professor, and Alisa is an adjunct faculty member. They also co-host the popular podcast,The Art of Relationships. Chris and Alisa live in Southern California where they have three adult children married to fabulous spouses and four absolutely perfect grandchildren.

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Extra Resources:

• The Art of Relationships Podcast with Chris & Alisa Grace

• Free Download: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships

• Biola University Center for Marriage & Relationships offers free relationship advice appointments, which can be booked by clicking our link here or by calling (562)392-4459.  

• Dr. Chris Grace’s online course “The Art (and Science) of Relationships”

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Now’s the time to preorder our book, With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Guide to a Healthy Relationship. Whether you’re engaged, newly married, celebrating decades together, or working through a challenging season, With You in Marriage provides depth and practical wisdom to strengthen your marriage in every season of your life together. 

You can find it on Amazon, or anywhere you buy your books! 

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke