I will write this column from Seoul, South Korea, next week. I have the privilege of being the speaker at a conference about families, growth, healing, and recovery, at Onnurri Church in that great city. If you pray, please keep me in mind.

Nothing, no DVD series, no expert on Dr. Phil, or guest on Oprah, nor anything you read on the Internet, nor anything I write in this daily column, will have as greater impact on your family, on your relationships, your emotional health as will a face-to-face, honest conversation with whomever you are in conflict.

The only occasion when this is justifiably avoided, and ought not occur, is when violence (physical, sexual, emotional) of any nature has already occurred within the relationship. In these sad instances, professional help, to assist in navigating a difficult future, is recommended.