Loving Difficult People: Boundaries, Narcissism & More with Debra Fileta

Every relationship faces rupture — but the skill of repair is getting lost. Counselor and author Debra Fileta joins Dave and Ashley to talk about her new book People Skills and why loving difficult people well is one of the most important things we can do. She unpacks the rise of "cut-off culture," why we're too quick to label people narcissists, how to set boundaries that actually invite health, and the four levels of conversation that determine whether you feel truly connected in your marriage. Whether it's a spouse, a family member, or a coworker, this episode will help you love the difficult people in your life the way God loves us. Listener question: I feel like a roommate with my wife! Married 20 years with a 16, 14 and 9 year old and feeling emotionally, spiritually and physically disconnected. I’ve been patient since having kids spending years alone in the bedroom while she nursed, hoping our relationship would strengthen as the kids got older but it hasn’t. We’ve talked a few times and I’ve shared books, podcasts, date night lists but can’t get her to prioritize us. I’m slowly giving up and finding peace in solitude but am worried we’re headed to a place where we can’t come back from, and shared that worry. Any ideas on next steps? Get Debra's new book, People Skills: https://a.co/d/04U7eXjq Learn more about Debra Fileta: https://debrafileta.com Listen to Debra Fileta's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-to-me-the-debra-fileta-podcast/id1417804351 Learn more about Marriage Intensives: https://xomarriage.com We want your marriage to thrive! Learn more at http://xomarriage.com Dave and Ashley Willis spent thirteen years in full-time church ministry before devoting their work entirely toward the global mission of building stronger, Christ-centered marriages. Their marriage-related books, blogs, podcast, speaking events and media resources have reached millions of couples around the world making Dave and Ashley one of the most recognized and trusted couples in marriage ministry. Dave and Ashley partnered with XO Marriage in 2018. XO Marriage is the nation's largest marriage-focused ministry. The Willis family includes four sons and a rescue dog named "Chi Chi." When Dave and Ashley aren't writing and speaking, they love hanging out with their family, watching movies and going on long walks which is also where they develop many of their marriage ministry content ideas. Learn more about Dave & Ashley at daveandashley.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices