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.

Anatomy of an Argument

By Francine & Byron Pirola | August 16, 2012

Have you ever found that you seem to be having the same argument over and over? Sometimes this may be because you didn’t resolve the…

A Vision for Life & Love

By Francine & Byron Pirola | August 16, 2012

In our society there is a strong culture of self-entitlement when it comes to sex. Society tells us that sex is about our individual personal fulfillment and that sexual satisfaction is our right….

The Ikea Assembly Meltdown

By Francine & Byron Pirola | July 30, 2012

Building your own furniture… it’s an unstated test of true manhood. Guys gravitate to the challenge, particularly when it’s a guaranteed shoo-in. Meet the Ikea*…

The Ikea Carpark Battle

By Francine & Byron Pirola | July 30, 2012

We know the scenario: a frazzled couple, stroppy kids and a car that just isn’t big enough to fit all the stuff they’ve just bought…

Why Couples Fight in Ikea

By Francine & Byron Pirola | July 28, 2012

“Why do couples fight in Ikea?” friends asked us. They had made a long-planned store visit on the weekend and almost every couple they encountered,…

Enhancing Sexual Communion

By Francine & Byron Pirola | June 23, 2012

Looking for ways to deepen your connection and enhance your sexual communion? Try these ideas: 1. Prayer for passionate other-centredness. It can seem like a…

Natural Method Effectiveness

By Francine & Byron Pirola | May 29, 2012

The ‘why’ of Fertility Awareness Methods Promotes shared responsibility Draws a couple closer Heightens our sense of awe in lovemaking Allows for God’s involvement in…

Adult children of Addicts & Sexual Response

By Francine & Byron Pirola | May 23, 2012

Adult Children of Alcoholics, Addicts and the Mentally Disabled Another pattern noted by some sex therapists is the sexual aversion often experienced by adult children…

Achieving Pregnancy – Naturally!

By Francine & Byron Pirola | May 2, 2012

As natural methods do not impede or suppress fertility in any way, there is no delay in the return to fertility that is often experienced…

Gender Differences

By Francine & Byron Pirola | May 2, 2012

Gender Differences How to deal with Wedding Mayhem Knot Yet! #2: Age does matter…sort of Sexual Differences – Respect & Cherishment Seven Habits of Effective…

Avoiding Pregnancy – Confidently!

By Francine & Byron Pirola | May 2, 2012

If a couple using natural fertility management wish to avoid a pregnancy, they must abstain from intercourse during the time of their combined fertility….

Fertility – an Introduction

By Francine & Byron Pirola | May 2, 2012

Being married in the Catholic Church is both a challenge and a privilege. Unlike secular marriage, Catholic couples are called to a radical lifestyle …

Trinity Prayer

By Francine & Byron Pirola | April 23, 2012

For a deeper experience of couple prayer and you may like to try the Trinity Prayer. This simple format: incorporates worship of God the Father…

Marriage – a Pathway to Holiness

By Francine & Byron Pirola | April 23, 2012

Spiritual Intimacy It is often difficult for a couple to share their personal faith experiences with each other. This is so for couples of different…

Love Making

By Francine & Byron Pirola | April 23, 2012

Sexual Response Human sexuality is a complex and varied experience; every person experiences their femininity or masculinity uniquely. Moreover, this experience will evolve over the…