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Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott

I Want Another Child, But My Spouse Doesn't. What Do We Do?

I Want Another Child, But My Spouse Doesn’t. What Do We Do?

By Conflict, Marriage 3 Comments

Let’s say you and your spouse have children or stepchildren together already, but you can’t agree on whether (or when) to have another. You desperately want another baby, but your spouse says they don’t. What do you do about it? A disagreement like this could easily create resentment between the two of you over time. So, it’s crucial to go ahead and get the conversation out in the open. Getting on the same page is incredibly important, especially for such a sensitive topic. If you’re feeling a major disconnect with your spouse over the desire for more children, there’s hope….

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How to Confront a Dishonest Spouse

By Conflict 3 Comments

Have you ever caught your spouse in a lie? If you did, would you know how to confront them? If you’ve ever experienced this gut-wrenching scenario, you know how devastating it feels. Accepting that your spouse has been dishonest is one of the hardest things to do. Deciding how and when to confront them is equally daunting, because now your entire perception of your spouse is in question. What else have they lied about? How long have they been lying? Is this about just one issue, and if so, can we rebuild from here? If your spouse has lied to…

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The 3 Core Components of Romantic Love

By Intimacy, Marriage No Comments

Romantic love is more complex than we think. Most of us grow up thinking we understand love. As we grow, we learn that love is much more intricate than we thought. And, there are different types of love to consider, including familial love, friendship, and romantic love. Marriage has a way of revealing all the ways we can learn to love someone. Sharing your life with another person means you’ll experience things together that you never imagined–both good and bad. Through every season of life, our love will be tested. We must be able to continue showing love for one…

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My Spouse and I Work Together. How Do We Separate Business From Life?

By Careers, Time 4 Comments

Do you and your spouse work together? How can you separate business from your personal life? Maybe you’re both employed by the same company. You might even work in the same office space. Or, perhaps you own or operate a business together. Whatever that looks like, building a healthy work-life balance is essential. It’s not unusual for married couples to work together. And, it’s common for couples like you to struggle a bit with separating business from home. We should know; we work together, too! There are a few simple changes you can make to the way you communicate that…

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Is It Possible For Married Couples to Fight Well?

Is It Possible For Married Couples to Fight Well?

By Conflict 3 Comments

It’s no secret that married couples fight. Regardless of how long you and your spouse have been together, you will disagree with one another from time to time. But did you know that it’s possible for couples to fight a “good fight?” Couples often come to us to ask how to have a good fight. It seems counterproductive, doesn’t it? Shouldn’t couples aim to avoid fighting instead? Not necessarily. The truth is, working through conflict can actually make your relationship stronger. 4 Essential Components of a Healthy Fight There are several essential ingredients that couples must have to navigate disagreements…

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My Spouse Says I Work Too Much, But I Have to Provide. How Do I Respond?

My Spouse Says I Work Too Much, But I Have to Provide. How Do I Respond?

By Careers, Time No Comments

Are you married to your job? This is a common issue in many marriages. Maybe one spouse owns a business that consumes them, or their 9-5 job is so demanding that they might as well live there. Still, you have to continue providing for your family, so you keep pushing forward. Does this sound like you? Workaholism can cause your spouse to feel sidelined, at best. As you devote most of your time to work, they’re forced to pick up your slack at home. And if you previously spent a lot of time together, they likely resent the current situation….

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How to Grow Your Faith Together During a Dark Season

By Intimacy, Scripture One Comment

Every couple goes through dark seasons. Sometimes, you’re facing tragedy or loss. Other times, you may be going through a personal faith crisis. Difficult life circumstances like death, job loss, and financial crisis can put a strain on faith. The dark season that ensues can be very difficult to navigate. There will be times when both of you are on this journey. But sometimes, one of you bears the brunt of the struggle. How do you continue to grow your faith together, as a couple, in the midst of a dark season? Let This Experience Grow Your Faith First, reframe…

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My Spouse is Disengaged from Our Marriage. What Can I Do?

By Marriage 4 Comments

Is your spouse disengaged from your marriage? When one of you disengages from your relationship, the marriage itself stops thriving. In turn, that can cause the other spouse to feel lonely and stuck. Living in this dynamic for years can eventually lead to the end of a marriage. Does this sound familiar to you? If you’re unsure how to respond, we’ve gathered some suggestions to help you get started. Signs Your Spouse is Disengaged First, let’s take a look at some general signs your spouse has disengaged from your relationship. Your spouse… Has become withdrawn Doesn’t seem to want to…

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My Spouse Makes Me Feel Awful About Myself. How Should I Respond?

My Spouse Makes Me Feel Awful About Myself. How Should I Respond?

By Conflict, Marriage 3 Comments

Does your spouse make you feel bad about yourself from time to time? Feeling hurt by something your spouse has said or done is heartbreaking. You’ve tried your best to keep them happy, but they still seem to find something critical to say. Your self-esteem might have taken a blow, or you might be feeling hopeless about your situation. It’s possible for the most well-meaning spouses to hurt one another’s feelings on occasion. That’s bound to happen over the course of a long life together. But what happens when your spouse’s criticism makes you feel badly about yourself? Humans Need…

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Do Married Couples Have to Enjoy the Same Hobbies?

Do Married Couples Have to Enjoy the Same Hobbies?

By Marriage, Recreation 3 Comments

Do married couples have to enjoy the same hobbies? What if they don’t? Maybe you and your spouse find yourselves drawn toward different hobbies and recreational activities. And the longer you’ve been together, the fewer shared activities you enjoy. Your energy levels or interests may be completely out of alignment, and you’re wondering what that means about your marriage. Let’s say you want to go hiking or trail riding together, but your spouse’s idea of fun is more like spending a quiet afternoon fishing or taking a nap. They appreciate quiet closeness, while you want a companion to go on…

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