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.
Is Cohabitation Different to Marriage?
Is cohabitation different to marriage? Lots of cohabitors will say ‘no’. We regularly hear comments to the effect: “We’ve been living together for 5 years…
Two of Us: Attitudes About Sexuality
How do you use the gift of your sexuality in your marriage? Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write…
Love Busters and Love Builders
What are Love Busters and Love Builders? Love Builders: a behaviour or gesture which communicates love to you and helps you feel close and connected…
Helping Yourself Heal When Your Spouse Dies
This article is reposted from O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Homes about the loss of a spouse. Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. Few events in life are as…
Two of Us: Qualities of Spouse
Refocusing on yourspouses qualities Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes so that you can share more…
Two of Us: Sexual Formation
How first learning aboutsex and sexuality affects you Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes so that…
Marriage Martyrdom
Blood Red In a sea of red, the Cardinals of the Church gathered over the past few weeks to farewell Benedict, elect his successor, and…
Two of Us: Personality Type
Personality influencing relationships Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes so that you can share more fully…
Smart Dating #5: The Raunch Woman
The Raunch Culture A fascinating trend has emerged in the last decade or two. ‘The Raunch Culture’ refers to a subgroup of single women who…
Smart Dating #4: You Are What You Do
Almost everyone aspires to a happy, life-long marriage. Surveys across different cultures and various age groups all point to the predominant desire for a loving…
Two of Us: Communication
Conversations with your spouse Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write some notes so that you can share more…
Smart Dating #3: 21st Century Courtship
Dating With Purpose In times past, dating and courtship were closely linked to marriage in a clear sequence of relationship development. Dating was a low-commitment…
Smart Dating #2: Ask ‘Why’ before you Try
Sexual Compatibility Since the 1960’s the slogan ‘try before you buy’ became a common excuse for premarital sex. It’s still popular today and has underpinned…
To Have and to Hold
The Meaning How often have we heard those classic words from the silver screen or at a church wedding! At its most basic, “To Have…
Two of Us: Need to Love
Recognising the level of effort we put in to loving and being loved Reflect Separately, say the prayer and spend some time reflecting on the questions. Write…