I’m bad at parrying bit would like to become a bit better at it too improve as a gamer. However, there’s a resource issue that I often see in games (especially f/tps, not talking about fighting games): both dodge and parry usually cost something like stamina consumption. The only way to regain stamina while defending is actually to avoid hits by good placement but without dodging / dashing. It’s slower, more difficult but really satisfying because you have enough stamina to deal great damage at any time. It is usually my way of handling combats.

Same here even without dangerous activities. I may look up where my partner is at the end of the working day. Still in the office? May be a rough day, I can think about some nice dinner and serve a glass of wine 30 seconds before she comes back home.