Preparation Strengthens Marriage

You're in love, you can't get enough of each other, and you can't wait to get married so you can spend the rest of your lives together. Why should you be concerned with marriage preparation?

If being in love were enough to create a lasting marriage, there would not be a 50% divorce rate? Chances are very few of those couples started their married life with the intention of divorcing a few years down the road.

Being well prepared for marriage greatly increases your odds of creating a lasting and satisfying marriage. Marriage preparation, if well done, allows you to get a much clearer picture of what "life together" will mean. It gives you an opportunity to talk, learn and grow together. We are not in any way trying to discourage you from getting married. We simply want you to be well prepared for this major step in your life. Knowledge is power. The more realistic your expectations for marriage, the more satisfied you will feel with your marriage.

Often engaged couples expect that their love will get them through any rough times. Love is an important factor; it will not be enough if you lack the knowledge, skills and attitude required for a successful marriage. Problems dealing with balancing job and family, expectations about household tasks, debt and finance, differences in sexual interest and desire and many others can be discussed and planned for. This allows you to sidestep potentially toxic problems in your marriage.

Research shows that preparing for marriage can help prevent divorce. It can strengthen the quality of your relationship, making it more lasting. Occasionally preparations uncovers red flags that indicate marriage is not the best option. This kind of deal breaker information is far better discovered before the vows are made.

Marriage preparation is enjoyable and educational. You can learn many things about yourself and about each other. It will help you find areas of agreement and disagreement and give you tools and skills to help you create a strong and lasting relationship.

Susan Derry
Professional Counselor & Life Coach

Co-author of Marriage Prep: Beginnings a downloadable marriage preparation course.

Co-author of Intimate Sex: Manual for Lovemaking, a sex manual for couples

Offers a free Nurturing Marriage Ezine