Relationship Skills: A Christian Guide to Healthy Relationships, Better Communication, Conflict Resolution, Intimacy, and Lasting Love

by Debra Fileta

Relationships don’t fall apart because of a lack of love—they struggle because of a lack of skill.In Relationship Skills, licensed professional counselor Debra Fileta uses the predictable patterns every relationship moves through­—what she calls the four seasons—as the roadmap for building a healthier, stronger connection.Just like the seasons shift, every relationship moves through different stages, each one bringing its own rhythms, challenges, and opportunities for growth. How you show up in those seasons will either strengthen your relationship or slowly wear it down. Whether you’re single, dating, engaged, or married, this book will help youstop ignoring red flags and start building on a healthy foundationbuild emotional, spiritual, and physical intimacy without losing yourself in the processcommunicate honestly, repair what’s broken, and grow through conflictstay intentional when things feel stagnant and choose commitment over complacency
No matter what season you’re in, let this guide help you grow in maturity, deepen intimacy, and build a relationship that lasts.

Genres: Relationships, Faith

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2026

Reviews

[BookwormBraggings · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if healthy relationships weren’t just about finding the “right” people, but also about becoming the kind of person who knows how to do relationships well? That’s the question Debra Fileta explores in Relationship Skills—and she does it in a way that feels practical, honest, and surprisingly refreshing.

One of my favorite things about this book is that it doesn’t treat relationships like a mysterious formula. Instead, Fileta gets into the real-life stuff: communication, boundaries, conflict, emotional health, listening, self-awareness, and the little habits that can either strengthen a relationship or quietly derail it.

And thankfully, it doesn’t read like a giant lecture on how to “relationship” correctly. 😄 There’s plenty here to reflect on, but also plenty that makes you stop and think, “Oof… okay, I might need to work on that.”

The biggest takeaway for me? Healthy relationships require healthy skills. Chemistry, good intentions, and caring about someone are wonderful—but they don’t automatically teach us how to communicate well, handle conflict, give grace, or maintain healthy boundaries.

Fileta’s approach makes this book feel especially useful for anyone who wants to grow—not just in romantic relationships, but in friendships, family relationships, and everyday interactions with the people around us.

✨ Bottom line: If you’re looking for a thoughtful, practical, and encouraging book about building healthier relationships, Relationship Skills is worth adding to your reading list. Just be prepared for a few moments of uncomfortable self-reflection along the way. 😉

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½/5

A great reminder that better relationships don’t happen by accident—they’re built through intentional skills, honest growth, and a whole lot of grace.

[Joanna Bair · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

Honestly I dk why I bother with her books. I’ve never actually read one that told me something new.
This one is more for married people and as person in a new relationship it just gave me anxiety. I don’t think I actually needed some of the information.
I guess if you’re a baby Christian or young or wanting something super simple and not deep at all it’s fine.
I have an MFA and teach college so this just felt like a sixth grade reading level though the content was more for like people in their 20s.
If you’re in your 40s and been a Christian all your life just skip it. It’s nothing new.

[Tori Vencill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relationship Skills provides an enlightening and encouraging look into the seasons that relationships go through and how to manage and grow into them.
Fileta gives an excellent perspective and insight from her years in the field as well as her own marriage which is a great addition.