Marriage Minded: 10 Ways to Know If You’ve Found the One

Forever Changed podcasters and married couple Nick and Chelsea Hurst debut with an earnest manual on determining romantic compatibility. They encourage couples to develop healthy communication through 10 questions that they believe engaged couples should talk over before marrying, including “How do you handle secrets?” “How do you view money?”and “Can you trust each other?” The authors’ humble approach draws wisdom from mistakes they made in their own relationship, as when they describe how lighthearted sarcastic comments they exchanged early in their relationship later became interpreted as passive aggressive and prompted them to become more deliberate about the tones of voice they used. They also discuss the importance of finding a spiritual match, citing Paul’s warning in Corinthians that failing to do so might derail God’s plans for one’s romantic life, and entreat readers to be careful of suggestive images on social media that might cause “impure thoughts,” serving up a distinctly modern take on how to live out Christian principles in digital age relationships. Rather than issuing rigid recommendations, the authors often urge readers to find strategies that work for their relationships. Christian couples will find this a valuable springboard to finding deeper connection. (Jan.)