All Posts By

Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott

Apr 08
Love0

How to Make Memories Together in a Time of Upheaval

By Marriage, Relationships, Time 5 Comments

During at time of upheaval, our lives feel very out of control. It’s very easy to get bogged down by the uncertainty, negativity, and anxiety associated with difficult times–whether economic, health-related, or otherwise. That’s why it’s so important to intentionally make memories together during the hard times. It seems counterintuitive, but working to make happy memories helps you and your spouse find positive things to focus on. Rather than feeling deprived of happy times, you have the power to create them yourself. This can be pivotal for couples and families who are feeling the stress of a difficult time. Today,…

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Apr 01
Love0

Help! We’re Stuck at Home Together–What Now?

By Communication, Marriage One Comment

So you and your spouse have found yourselves spending an extended period of time in your home together. Maybe one of you is sick, recovering from surgery, or out of work. Perhaps you’re snowed in for a few days. Or, if you’re like many of us around the world right now, you’re self-quarantining in the face of a global pandemic. Whatever the reason, the two of you are suddenly spending a lot more time together at home. It’s important to look at this time as an opportunity to rekindle your bond, deepen your relationship, and make happy memories together. Whether…

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Mar 31
Love0

Five Practical and Proactive Things You Can Do At Home

By Communication, Marriage, Parenting, Relationships, Self Reflection One Comment

Dear Friends, We want to help you in some small way. Our family of four (including our college-student son who is now home from Chicago) has gone into full social-distancing mode here in Seattle to help “flatten the curve” of COVID-19. Chances are that your family is doing the same. The good news? We’re seeing a lot more of each other than we normally do. The challenge? Well, we’re seeing a lot more of each other than we normally do! So, how do you create a safe, healthy, and happy home in these difficult days? We’ll leave the medical advice…

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Mar 25
Love0

8 Ways to Help Your Spouse Through Anxiety

By Marriage, Relationships 3 Comments

Is your spouse experiencing anxiety? Wondering how to help? One in 13 people experience anxiety worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). So if your spouse is experiencing anxiety, he or she is not alone. People who live with anxiety–whether chronic or situational–need emotional support from those closest to them. That means it’s critical for you to know exactly how to help your spouse through anxiety. We’ve pulled together 8 ways to help your spouse if they’re having anxious thoughts or feelings. Let’s dive in. 1. Just listen. Anxiety is a slow build of churning thoughts and fears that…

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Mar 18
Love2

5 Reasons You’re Losing Time in Your Marriage

By Marriage, Relationships, Time One Comment

During this season of uncertainty in our world, many couples have unexpectedly found themselves with a lot of time to be at home together. This period of self-quarantine and social distancing we’re experiencing right now will likely stand in stark contrast to the craziness of our status quo. It’s no secret that most of the time, many married couples struggle to make enough time for each other. When you’re dating and first falling in love, you spend as much time together as you possibly can. But once you’re married and settled, life takes over, and before you know it, you’re…

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Mar 10
Love0

7 Tips for Stress-Free Wedding Planning

By Marriage, Relationships No Comments

Wedding planning can be an incredibly stressful season in a couple’s life. From dresses and decor to entertainment and catering, there are many facets of your upcoming big day that must be put in place months ahead of time. If you’re looking to reduce wedding-related stress so you can actually enjoy your engagement, we’ve got you covered. Let’s look at a few ways you can dial down the drama in the days leading up to your wedding. 1. Pick your battles carefully When it comes to wedding planning, there are many moving parts–and many opportunities for conflict. Even though it…

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Mar 03
Love2

How to Know You’re Ready to Get Married

By Marriage 9 Comments

Being prepared for your wedding does not mean you’re prepared for marriage. Though getting engaged and planning a wedding is an exciting time for many couples, questions of true marital preparation are often overlooked. It can be difficult to ask yourself hard questions about your relationship during such a happy time. However, knowing whether you’re truly prepared for marriage can save you years of heartache down the road. Let’s look at a few indications that you’re both ready to get married and start your happily-ever-after. 1. You have a long-standing healthy relationship with yourself If you’re well-rounded and secure in…

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Feb 25
Love10

Approachability: The Key to Emotional Safety in Marriage

By Marriage, Relationships 4 Comments

One of the most loving things you can do in your marriage is to make yourself radically approachable to your spouse. When you’re approachable, you’re open, welcoming, and receptive–and most importantly, your spouse feels safe with you. Your approachability makes others feel like they belong when they’re near you. It makes them feel wanted and included. Making your spouse feel as though he or she belongs with you is one of the most selfless things you can do for them. A behavior modeled by Jesus Approachability was both a behavior and a persona that was modeled by Jesus in Biblical…

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Feb 18
Love5

Why Self-Awareness Leads to Better Love

By Self Reflection 5 Comments

In marriage, we often put so much of our focus on our spouse and their needs that we fall out of touch with our own. The problem is, that kind of thinking leads us to expect our spouse to do the same thing for us! When they don’t, this can lead to resentment and conflict. The best way to truly care for one another is to become more self-aware in addition to being attentive to your spouse. Although it may seem counterintuitive, self-awareness actually leads to better love and a happier marriage. Let’s talk about how that works. Self-Awareness Cultivates…

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Feb 11
Love2

3 Valentine’s Date Ideas to Bring You and Your Spouse Closer

By Marriage, Relationships, Time One Comment

Valentine’s Day is just a few days away. Have you and your spouse made date night plans yet? There are many great options for Valentine’s dates, but this year we want to focus on a few specific ideas that will help you focus on your love and admiration for one another. Let’s dive right in. 1. Dance together There’s more to dancing than meets the eye, and dancing with your spouse can reignite your spark on multiple levels. You don’t have to go to a ballroom dancing class or public place to let a dance work its magic, either. All…

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