Blog
Practical wisdom, faith-filled insights, and real-world relationship advice for couples at every stage. Our blog offers practical tools and Catholic perspectives to help you love smarter. Explore topics including communication, fertility, forgiveness, spirituality, parenting, and more — authored by Francine & Byron Pirola and other guest contributers.
TIME – The Currency of Relationships
There’s an old adage in the world of parenting advice: Kids spell LOVE as T.I.M.E. Kids don’t need things nearly much as they need a…
Martyrs for Marriage Through the Ages
While couple saints inspire us to emulate them in our homes, it’s the martyrs for marriage who embolden us in the public square. Marriage…
In marriage, you get what you look for
Success in marriage can be as simple as looking for the right things. When we were dating, everything about the other seemed exciting and…
Echoes from Childhood
Unpacking the hidden ways our earliest bonds influence love and trust in our adult relationships. One of the most powerful topics in the SmartLoving Engaged…
When Mercy is Hard to Do
All of us are prone to selfishness. The task of Christian maturity requires us to confront and tame our selfish tendencies in order for…
Three Tools for Better Conflict
Every marriage has conflict. Two imperfect people sharing a home and dealing with all the pressures of modern life? It’s inevitable! But conflict doesn’t…
Making the Connection…with Arguments
Neither of us likes it when we disagree, yet we’ve had more than a few in our 28 years of marriage – some of…
The Riskiest Place For Our Marriage
A while ago a viral video clip came to our attention. In the video, a marriage counsellor is responding to the claim that 85% of…
The Cohabitation Myth
Many dating couples opt to live together before deciding to marry, because they believe that it is a responsible and prudent thing to do. They…
From Complaint to Request
The Unforeseen Truth While deep down we really love each other, all couples inevitably have ‘complaints’ about their spouse. They can be as simple as…
Embracing Hope in Our Marriage
Letting go of EXPECTATIONS opens us to God’s grace. Like most couples, we stood at the altar on our wedding day with hearts…
Restoring Fertility…. God’s Way
The Catholic Church has some surprising treasures. No – we’re not thinking of the Vatican museums or its countless historic churches! We’re thinking of…
Champions Make Champions
Anyone who has ever excelled in anything in life, be it music, sport or business, knows that if you want to be the best,…
Embracing a Pro-Life Heart
As we celebrate Grandparents Day on July 27, we’re reminded of the profound role we play in nurturing a culture of life within our families. …
Declining Divorces: A Cause for Celebration?
Exploring the trends and what they mean for our relationships and families Recently published data on marriage and divorce in Australia have caught media…
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