Overcoming Separation, Infidelity, & Dysfunction in Marriage - with Joseph & Madelyn Stallings

<p><strong>Overcoming Separation, Infidelity, &amp; Dysfunction in Marriage - with Joseph &amp; Madelyn Stallings</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Welcome to this episode of our podcast where we're joined by Joseph and Madelyn Stallings, who have graciously agreed to share their journey through infidelity, separation, and marital dysfunction with us today.</p> <p>Joseph and Madelyn have known each other since childhood, and on today's show, they talk about their journey towards a more healthy and thriving marriage, despite the numerous hurdles they've faced along the way.</p> <p><strong>The Importance of Premarital Counseling</strong></p> <p>We start by discussing how they met and their premarital counseling experience. Like Shaun and me, the Stallings have known each other since childhood. Joseph’s parents did their premarital counseling, but he doesn't recommend this. Neither do I, because couples tend to not be forthcoming when a family member (especially parents) are facilitating their pre-marital counseling.</p> <p><a href="https://realrelationshiptalk.com/56-why-should-i-get-premarital-coaching-young-married-series/ "><strong>ALSO SEE: Why Should I Get Premarital Counseling? </strong></a></p> <p>We delve deeper into the importance of premarital counseling and how it can help couples overcome childhood wounds and trauma that can seep into their marriage.</p> <p><strong>An Unexpected Result of their Separation</strong></p> <p>The Stallings experienced several separations in their marriage: some lasting for just a few months, and the longest over a year. Then, quite unexpectedly, Madelyn gets pregnant. She shares her experience of becoming pregnant with someone else's child while she and Joseph were separated, and how they worked through the emotions of it all. Only by God’s grace were they able to reconcile and work through the pain of that choice. </p> <p><strong>Disconnection Leaves You Vulnerable to Infidelity</strong></p> <p>We talk about the importance of staying connected and avoiding disconnection,