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Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott

Apr 24
Love0
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Do We Really Need Pre-Marriage Counseling?

By Engagement 2 Comments

If you’re engaged (or planning to get engaged in the future), it’s important to make sure that pre-marriage counseling is on your radar. While pre-marriage counseling isn’t necessarily required, we don’t believe any couple should skip this important step. Going to counseling before you marry can help you get to know one another on a deeper level—and possibly prevent certain problems before they arise. Before we go any further, yes; we highly recommend pre-marriage counseling. Now, let’s go over a few reasons why. A Trusted Counselor Offers Objective Feedback It’s so important to have a source of objective feedback, especially…

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Apr 17
Love0
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My Fiancé and I Have Family Problems. Should We Elope?

By Engagement, In-laws & Family No Comments

Family problems are common for many individuals. If you don’t have issues in your immediate family, you likely have extended family members with their own problems. When a couple brings two families together for a wedding, it’s possible that some of those issues could surface. If the two of you are facing potentially significant family problems surrounding your wedding, you might have discussed eloping instead of having a ceremony. After all, avoiding family complications would give you the much-needed peace you desire. Eloping could allow you and your fiancé to truly focus on one another, rather than any drama that…

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Apr 10
Love0
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Help! My Future Mother-In-Law is Trying to Take Over My Wedding

By Engagement, In-laws & Family One Comment

It’s almost wedding season, and many engaged couples all over the world are getting ready for their big day. Your world has likely been engulfed by flowers, cakes, dresses, and catering menus. Engagement is an exciting time, but like all seasons, it has its ups and downs. Wedding planning should be an enjoyable experience for engaged couples, but often, it’s stressful and intense instead. It’s disheartening to experience family drama before you’ve even said, “I do.” So how do you respond to them in a loving way? Should you entertain their suggestions, change your wedding plans to fit their wishes,…

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Apr 03
Love0
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Marriage: How Much Does It Really Matter?

By Marriage No Comments

In today’s society, it’s not unusual to feel skeptical about the institution of marriage. That’s especially true if you grew up in a family where divorce was common. It can be easy to question the necessity of marriage, especially if you feel fearful of it. If you’re dating or engaged, maybe your significant other wants to tie the knot – and maybe you aren’t quite ready for that step. You might find yourself questioning how necessary it is to get married. If that sounds familiar, we’re here to help. Marriage Has Depth, Beauty, and Sacredness It’s difficult to describe the…

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Mar 27
Love0
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Better Communication, Better Love: Forgiveness and Conflict Resolution

By Communication, Conflict One Comment

Forgiveness and conflict resolution are crucial components of good communication. That’s true not only in marriage, but across all your relationships. To build a happy marriage with true, lifelong love, you’ll need to be able to not only solve conflicts that arise; you’ll also need to be willing to forgive one another. In this final part of our four-part series on better communication, we’re focusing on how to lovingly resolve conflict and forgive often. Ready to learn more? Let’s jump into it. Listen With Empathy When working through a conflict, it’s important to listen to one another with empathy. Understanding…

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Mar 20
Love1
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Better Communication, Better Love: Saying “I Love You” Without Words

By Communication, Intimacy One Comment

When it comes to communication in marriage, nonverbal communication is just as important as the words you say to one another. In some cases, nonverbal communication might even say more! The old adage is, “Actions speak louder than words,” for a reason. The words we say make up only a small percentage of what our spouse believes we’re saying to them. Developing great nonverbal communication skills is critical for showing love to your spouse in a way they can understand. Bare-minimum human decency won’t cut it here; you must be intentional with your nonverbals. So what are some ways you…

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Mar 13
Love0
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Better Communication, Better Love: Speaking the Truth in Love

By Communication No Comments

When emotions are running high, it can be challenging to communicate with your spouse in a calm way. Sometimes, it can even feel difficult to speak lovingly. We’re at a higher risk of being harsh with one another when we’re angry, upset, or trying to make a point. Last week, we kicked off our Better Communication, Better Love article series by talking about becoming a better listener. But listening well is just one part of the equation. We must also be able to speak the truth in love at all times, especially when we’re resolving a conflict. You and your…

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Mar 06
Love0

Better Communication, Better Love: Sharpening Your Listening Skills

By Communication No Comments

Did you know that better communication can lead you and your spouse to better love? In this four-article series, we’re breaking down some of the most important ways you two can improve your communication skills. We’ll start by talking about how to sharpen your listening skills – a must in every successful marriage. You’ve likely heard that, to be a better listener, you should: Listen to respond, not to react. Avoid interrupting your spouse while they’re speaking. Try not to spend so much energy formulating a response that you miss what they’re saying. Engage in active listening, in which you…

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Feb 28
Love0

I’m Married, But I Want To Stay Friends With My Ex. What Should I Do?

By Marriage 2 Comments

Most married couples dated other people before they met one another. Sometimes, exes remain friends, and other times, they lose touch, only to reconnect down the road. Regardless of the scenario, if you’re married, should you keep or rekindle a friendship with an ex? If you’re unsure whether this friendship is the right move for your marriage, then you’re probably feeling ambivalent about the possibility. There are some important factors to consider before jumping right in. Let’s talk through some questions you can ask yourself to make the best decision for you and your spouse. Are Old Feelings Being Stirred…

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Feb 21
Love0

Why Your Individual Health Can Make Your Marriage Happier

By Marriage, Self Reflection No Comments

Did you know that focusing on your individual health can make your marriage happier? We like to say that your relationships are only as healthy as you are–and that includes your marriage. But how does becoming a healthier person have such a profound influence on your relationship? There are so many reasons to focus on your own wellbeing, and we’re not just talking about physical health. Instead, we also mean your psychological, emotional, and spiritual health. When you care for all areas of your health combined, it pays dividends not just for you, but for the people you love most….

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