Q: From what I’ve heard about your organisation, I suppose helping people with their marriages is a good thing. But why don’t you put all that effort toward something really important like combatting poverty? Graeme: I appreciate the question. Since this column is such a limited venue, I’ll summarise our […]

Q: I’d say my wife and I have a good marriage. I’d like to move it to great, but I’m not very adept at the “warm fuzzy” stuff. What’s your advice? Graeme: I get this question all the time from men. I think it’s basically a matter of perspective, so […]

Q: I’d be interested in hearing your take on managing “little spats” in marriage. Sometimes my wife and I get into minor disagreements that escalate quickly. I think we’re both at fault. One of us says something snippy, the other responds a bit angrier and a bit louder, back and […]

Q: My wife and I have a close-knit circle of friends who we’ve known for years. However, we’re starting to feel that something’s missing — like we’ve gotten stagnant with our usual connections. Do you have any advice for expanding our horizons and seeking out new friendships? Graeme: You may […]

Q: Do you have any advice for coming alongside loved ones in difficult situations? A good friend was recently widowed, and my cousin was just diagnosed with a terminal illness. I want to encourage them but feel awkward about what to say. Graeme: You heart is clearly in the right […]

Q: I’ve noticed that many – most? – people seem to have lost the ability to apologise when they say or do something rude or even offensive. Whatever happened to common courtesy? I’d be interested to hear what you think. Graeme: Two of the hardest words in the English language […]

Q: My father walked out on our family when I was a little kid. Now that I’m an adult I could really use his input — but he’s not here for me. How can I get past this pain? Graeme: First of all, if your mother is available I’d suggest […]

Q: Can you help me with an awkward situation involving an extended family member? Recently this person harshly disagreed with something I posted on social media, and I confess I didn’t respond well. The (unfortunately) public dispute has escalated into critical private messages and even some caustic texts. What do […]

Q: I struggle with anxiety. How do I keep it from affecting my parenting and interactions with my family? Graeme: Anxiety is not easy to manage. It tends to spill into your day. I love this question because you’re recognising the negative impact anxiety inside you can have on others […]

Q: My husband and I recently moved to a new city. As we make new friends we wonder how much of our personal story to share. We experienced significant marital issues and eventually divorced, but later reconciled and have remarried. Our old friends knew everything; is there any reason to […]