Communication: honesty, yes-yes/no-no, and not loading words
The hosts diagnose the root of most Dear LFTP letters: people can't communicate. A host is flabbergasted at couples who won't talk; another says people are cowardly, dancing around hard truths instead of letting yes be yes. They explore why conversations get loaded with guilt and judgment — people want the other person to feel their hurt — and argue you can express disappointment without hatred.
More on Communication
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Is Jesus a good leader? The 10 qualities, part one
- Is Jesus a good leader by modern standards?
Mike runs a vague internet search for 'the 10 essential qualities of an effective leader' and the room grades Jesus. 1.
From No. 602 · Relationship Counseling
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Dear LFTP: the fiance who games until 5AM
- What should the letter-writer do about her fiance's all-night gaming habit?
Mike reads a Dear LFTP letter from a woman engaged five years to Dustin, who games from 10PM to 5AM, skips chores, and gives her no attention; talking has not helped since 'he grew up gaming.'
From No. 598 · Emphasis | Accountability, Worship and Praying with Strangers
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Dear LFTP: the basement musician whose wife never asks him to play
- Am I asking too much to expect my wife to ask me to play, or should I just let it go and stop writing songs?
Mike reads a letter from a married-31-years basement musician and songwriter whose non-musical wife has never once asked him to play — he wonders if he's asking too much or should stop writing.
From No. 597 · Maybe A Word From God
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Dear LFTP: wife mocks husband's bladder problem in public
- How should I respond when my wife mocks me and my bladder problem in public?
Mike reads a letter from a man married three years whose wife calls him vulgar names in public and makes his bladder-control problem into comedy.