All Posts By

Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott

Jul 03
Love0
How-Long-Should-We-Wait-Before-We-Have-Kids-Symbis-Blog-900x200-meme

How Long Should We Wait Before We Have Kids?

By Parenting No Comments

So how long after marriage should you wait before having kids? Whether you’re newlyweds or have been married for years now, the answer depends on your unique situation. We can’t give you a definitive time frame, but we can give you and your spouse some important things to consider. Having children is a highly individual decision, and it’s one you should make carefully. Before we get started, the most important thing to keep in mind is that this decision is yours to make as a couple. No outside source can tell you the right time for you. Instead, it’s crucial…

Read More
Jun 26
Love0
My-Spouse-is-a-Know-It-All-What-Can-I-Do-About-It-Symbis-Blog-900x200-meme

Help! My Spouse is a Know-It-All. What Can I Do About It?

By Marriage, Relationships No Comments

So let’s say your spouse acts like a “know-it-all” in certain situations. What can you do about it? When you’re married to someone for a long time, certain parts of their personality can feel challenging. We all have imperfections and traits that may clash with others. Some of those traits make social interactions more difficult than they should be. If your spouse tends to behave like a know-it-all, you have probably felt this discomfort. You can’t change your spouse’s behavior, but there are some things you can do to encourage improvement. One of the greatest gifts of marriage is that…

Read More
Jun 19
Love0
4-Ways-to-Inject-More-Humor-Into-Your-Marriage-Symbis-Blog-900x200-meme

4 Ways to Inject More Humor Into Your Marriage

By Relationships No Comments

If you’re serious about having a great marriage, then you need more humor. As the old adage goes, “laughter is the best medicine.” Humor is one of the greatest connectors in all relationships. But that’s especially true when it comes to nurturing your marriage. While building a happy marriage is absolutely a serious matter, you can’t create lifelong love without a healthy dose of humor. It’s important to be playful and have fun together. Laughing with your spouse can lighten a tense moment or simply help you feel closer. Whether you’re navigating a difficult season or defusing an argument, humor…

Read More
Jun 12
Love0
My-Spouse-Started-a-Business-Symbis-Blog-900x200-meme

My Spouse Started a Business, and I’m Scared. What Now?

By Careers No Comments

So your spouse started a business. What now? People start businesses for many different reasons. Some start a business rather than going into the workforce. Others get their start after a job loss, like a layoff. Let’s say your spouse lost their job, and they started a business rather than moving on to other employment. A major life transition such as a job loss can cause you to reevaluate your life, your career path, and your decisions up until that point. In this case, maybe your spouse decided to take a chance on a dream they’ve wanted to pursue for…

Read More
Jun 05
Love0
Help-Im-Afraid-of-Fighting-With-My-Spouse-Symbis-Blog-900x200-meme

Help! I’m Afraid of Fighting With My Spouse

By Conflict No Comments

Are you afraid of fighting with your spouse? Maybe you’re one of those people who’s hardwired to value harmony. You recoil at the thought of conflict, and avoid getting into an argument with anyone–especially the person you love most. The idea of fighting makes you feel insecure and fearful. It can be scary to put your feelings out there when you’re upset. What if it changes your relationship in some fundamental way? What if your spouse becomes angry with you? What if the conflict escalates? The thing is, there’s greater risk in holding your feelings inside and leaving issues unresolved….

Read More
May 29
Love0
Why-Dwell-on-What-Might-Have-Been-Symbis-Blog-900x200-meme

Marriage Rewind: Why Dwell on What Might Have Been?

By Marriage No Comments

Do you and your spouse ever dwell on what might have been? Ruminating on alternative scenarios, such as being married to someone different from your spouse, can create tension in your marriage. It can also fuel bitterness if the two of you are facing difficult times. While it’s human nature to think about different possibilities, dwelling on what might have been could be harmful to your relationship. Curiosity Can Breed Insecurity Sometimes, we find ourselves speculating about different possible outcomes out of simple curiosity. These conversations can start out innocently enough, then later create hurt feelings. For instance, you and…

Read More
May 22
Love0

Putting Sex on the Calendar: Can It Work?

By Intimacy One Comment

Scheduling sex is something that many couples resist. On the surface, putting sex on the calendar sounds unpleasant, like an item on a to-do list. You might even argue that it takes away spontaneity. But from research, we know that scheduling sex actually works for many couples. If you’re wondering how that’s possible, we’ve got you covered. Let’s jump right in and talk about it. Planning Creates Anticipation One reason why scheduling sex on the calendar works for busy couples is that planning actually creates anticipation for the moment. It helps you to get into the frame of mind to…

Read More
May 15
Love0
How-Can-I-Help-My-Spouse-Break-Symbis-Blog-900x200-meme

How Can I Help My Spouse Break A Bad Habit?

By Marriage One Comment

So your spouse has a bad habit. Can you help them break it? Well, it’s possible to help, but the answer isn’t exactly straightforward – and it might surprise you. You can’t force your spouse’s change, but it’s possible to support it. If you’re wondering what you can do to help your spouse break an unhealthy habit, read on. Realize That Your Spouse Must Want Change However you feel about this habit, it’s not enough for your spouse to make changes just for you. They must desire change for themselves. Their motivation to change must come from within – not…

Read More
May 08
Love0
My-Marriage-is-Boring-Symbis-Blog-900x200-meme

Help! My Marriage is Boring. What Do I Do?

By Marriage No Comments

Nobody expects to feel bored in their marriage, but sometimes it happens. And the problem is more common than you might think. Boredom sneaks up on us. By the time we realize what’s going on, we’re feeling like we’ve lost the energy and the spark in our marriage. We find ourselves wondering when we stopped having fun together, and when we stopped looking forward to spending time with one another. You might be feeling embarrassed to admit that you’re feeling bored. But if you start to pay attention to how you feel, then you can also work to find solutions….

Read More
May 01
Love0

Engagement Roundup: What You Need to Know Before the Wedding

By Engagement No Comments

Are you engaged or hoping to be engaged soon? Planning your wedding is one of the most important seasons of your life, but there’s more to prepare for than the ceremony itself. Today, we’re sharing some fresh resources to help you along your way, all in one place. We believe you can never have too many trusted resources while you prepare for your wedding – and the life you’ll build together in the years to come. Marriage is a wonderful and exciting journey. It takes knowledge, preparation, and a willingness to grow together in order to achieve lifelong love. Ready…

Read More