Expedition Marriage with Chris & Jamie Bailey15 Touko 2025

Ep. 136: Games People Play in Marriage: Breaking Free from Relational Patterns

Have you ever found yourself stuck in the same frustrating cycle with your spouse—arguing over the same thing, reacting the same way, or saying, "Here we go again…"?

You might be caught in one of the "games people play" in relationships.

In this episode, we explore some of the unconscious patterns couples fall into and how these games sabotage intimacy and connection. We'll show you how to recognize these patterns, understand the emotional needs beneath them, and shift toward healthier communication.

You'll walk away with greater self-awareness and biblical insight on how to stop playing games—and start building trust and connection.

https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-136-games-people-play-in-marriage-breaking-free-from-relational-patterns/

🧠 Key Topics Covered:

What "relational games" are and how they show up in marriage
The emotional payoffs that keep us repeating unhealthy patterns
Practical steps to move from reaction to restoration
What Scripture teaches about honest, grace-filled communication

📖 Scriptures to Reflect On:

Ephesians 4:25 – "Speak the truth in love…"
Proverbs 15:1 – "A gentle answer turns away wrath…"
Galatians 6:2 – "Carry each other's burdens…"
James 1:19 – "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."

🎧 Ready to Break the Cycle?

If you and your spouse find yourselves stuck in the same arguments or disconnected because of poor communication, it may be time to hit pause and start fresh. The L.O.V.E. Your Way Through Conflict Course is a powerful, Christ-centered resource to help you move from frustration to understanding.

💥 Use code COUPLE50 for 50% off the course!
👉 Start the course here

💌 Stay Connected:

Want more tools and encouragement for your marriage?
📬 Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://expeditionmarriage.org/newsletter
👥 Learn about counseling: https://expeditionmarriage.org/marriage

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(202)

Ep. 200: Help Me or Make Me? A Prayer That Could Change Your Marriage

What if the prayer that could change your marriage isn't "Lord, help my spouse change," but "Lord, make me more like You"? We pray for better communication, less conflict, more connection, and greater...

15 Loka 44min

Ep. 199: Biblical Marriage: The Invisible Threat

What are you actually building your marriage on? Marriage advice? Therapy? Instagram reels? A favorite podcast? What feels right? Those things may offer helpful tools, but as Christian couples, none o...

8 Loka 48min

Ep. 198: Marriage Myths- What Nobody Tells You About the First 10 Years of Marriage

What if some of the things you believe about marriage are actually making marriage harder? We're joined by Julie Baumgardner, founder of Marriage on the Daily (https://marriageonthedaily.com), to bust...

1 Loka 53min

Ep. 197: Relief Isn't Restoration: What Are You Settling for in Your Marriage?

What if the things helping you feel better are actually keeping you from getting better? Sometimes what we call "better" is really just less uncomfortable. We avoid the conversation. We turn on Netfli...

17 Syys 40min

Ep. 196: God Designed Sex for Connection—So Why Aren't Christians Talking About It?

The Real Reason Couples Stop Having Sex (And How to Reconnect) Why can two people deeply love each other and still feel completely disconnected—emotionally or sexually? And why is sex still something ...

10 Syys 43min

Ep. 195: When Your Kids Make Choices You Don't Agree With

There comes a point in parenting when you realize something terrifying: You can't control your kids anymore. They choose their own friends. They date people you may not choose. They make decisions...

27 Elo 48min

Ep. 194: Marriage Will Change You (And That's the Point)

"My spouse will never change." It's one of the most common frustrations we hear from married couples. But what if we're asking the wrong question? In this episode, Chris and Jamie talk about one of th...

20 Elo 50min

Ep. 193: Before You Cut Off a Parent: Boundaries & Biblical Reconciliation

Should you cut off a toxic or difficult parent? It's a question more adult children are asking, and the answer isn't always as simple as social media makes it sound. Sometimes no contact really is nec...

13 Elo 41min