getting married
Preparing for Marriage
I heard about an 18-year-old boy who was married in a formal church wedding. For his big day, he was decked out in a rented tuxedo and shoes. All went well until the couple was heading out the door, about to leave the wedding reception. The groom's mother, afraid he would not remember to return the shoes with the tux, yelled across the room, "Don't forget to take your shoes off!"
Yes, it seems at wedding time everybody wants to give you some kind of advice — and not just about the wedding night. In fact, if you're planning to get married, chances are someone has asked you, "Do you really know what you're doing?" Well, I'm not going to ask you that, because I'm already confident you don't. Now, I'm not trying to put you down, but I've counseled enough engaged and married couples to realize you simply can't know all that's involved.
You have no idea of the possibilities for real joy and completeness you might experience in marriage. Just watching a sunset together, walking in the woods or listening to your favorite song will take on new meaning. I'm excited for you as you stand on the threshold of this remarkable journey!
But you also may not understand all the dangers involved:
- Each year, more than two million couples divorce, involving about a million children.
- Over the past 20 years, the proportion of people who marry three or more times increased from 4 percent of marriages to 8 percent of the total.
- Children of divorce, particularly women, have a much higher chance of getting divorced themselves than children of intact families.
So what does it take to build a fulfilling, lasting marriage? How can you avoid the problems that commonly end relationships? And how can you keep from becoming a divorce statistic? Read more about pitfalls and promises in "The Dos and Don'ts of a Good Marriage."
Background Information
Pundits and Poets on the Rewards of Long-term Marriage
A collection of wit and wisdom that may be just the cure for those mid-term marriage blahs.
Twelve Marriage Killers
Start your marriage off right by guarding yourselves against common pitfalls.
Questions and Answers
Is premarital counseling really necessary?
Answer
Is the desire to marry a virgin legitimate?
Answer
What are some realistic financial expectations for newlyweds to have for their first two or three years of marriage?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Learning to Make Marriage Real
Here's how one newlywed is making her marriage last a lifetime.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Talk About Misunderstanding
These few, lesser-known truths can help you and your spouse bridge the communication gap.
The Myth of Healthy, Happy Extended Families
When you marry, you become a family in more ways than one.
Your New Family
These principles can help couples have healthy relationships with in-laws — and each other.
Related Topics
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-at-Home Moms
Relationships: Blended Families, Divorce, Parents and Adult Children, Caring for Elderly Parents
