Case Study: No More Fun With Biff and Mable

Photo: ©Mladen Zivkovic from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com

Mable blurted out, “This is not what I signed up for.” She married Biff 11 years ago and is regretting each of those years. Their marriage has never moved beyond two singles living together. Biff works and has his friends. Mable works and has friends.

Biff likes being with the boys on Friday nights, and Mable spends time on Facebook, with her “cyber friends.” They attend church together, but no one is speaking into their lives. In nearly every context where they are together, it’s superficial.

When Biff and Mable are alone, they argue most of the time, unless they are watching movies, which is their default to keep from fighting. Neither one of them has been unfaithful. If you asked Biff, he would say that he wants to be with Mable.

He likes that she keeps the house clean and makes extra income, which enables them to maintain their coexisting lifestyles. He also enjoys sex. He sheepishly admitted that her leaving would put an end to that.

Mable would love to be out of the marriage but realizes she has no biblical grounds to leave and file for divorce. She feels incarcerated with a man who has no intention of ever transforming.

Case Study Questions

1. When Mable says, “This is not what I signed up for” what would you say to her?
2. How would you respond to the church, as far as getting them involved in Biff and Mable’s lives?
3. What would be your plan to help this couple?

Need More Help?

1. If you want to learn more from us, you may search this site for thousands of resources—articles, podcasts, videos, graphics, and more. Please spend time studying the ones that interest you. They are free.
2. If you want to talk to us, we have private forums for those who support this ministry financially. Please consider supporting us here if you would like to help us keep our resources free.

Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).