Be prepared to get through the tough stuff together, because that's the only way your marriage will last.
Did you know over 50 percent of marriages will end in divorce? It's a sad fact, but what's even sadder is that the number is growing. You are more likely to fail than you are to succeed in a marriage. Even though all couples have good intentions, people drift apart, someone cheats, or you find you cannot come to a resolution on your finances. While this is all depressing news, there are things you can do to greatly boost your chances of having a successful marriage.
Look Into Pre-Marital Counseling
Pre-marital counseling can be a very useful tool for engaged couples. It gives you an opportunity to discuss things that could become an issue in the future. Not only can you come to a resolution on some potentially hard topics, you can gain insight and wisdom from couples who have a wealth of marriage experience. Many pre-marital counselors have been married themselves, and hopefully they have been successful at it. You can learn from their mistakes and also find out good communication practices that can prevent fights in the future. Some issues that may be discussed include:
- How finances will be handled
- Whether or not you want children
- How roles will be divided in the house
Finding out these things before you are married instead of after can help prevent future problems.
Communication Is Key
Communication is one of the most important aspects of marriage. If you and your spouse cannot communicate with each other, you likely aren't going to get far at all. As mentioned above, pre-marital counseling can be a great way to find out techniques for communicating when times get rough. Many find they have the hardest time communicating during a fight. When emotions are running high, it can be difficult to see the other person's perspective, and it can often be difficult to express how you are feeling. Communication strategies can help prevent small disagreements from turning into huge fights.
Know It Will Be Hard
Finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with is challenging. You have to remember you are going to be with this person for as long as you live, and there are times when this is going to be difficult. There will probably be occasions when you cannot stand to be in the same room as each other. While hopefully these feelings are very short lived and don't happen often, it's crucial to remember that marriage is not all rainbows and butterflies. Be prepared to get through the tough stuff together, because that's the only way your marriage will last.
Don't Jump Into Anything
Marriage is certainly something you don't want to jump into. While some people know right away when they have met the person they want to spend the rest of their lives with, it usually takes longer. That's to be expected. After all, you don't want to marry someone if you aren't completely sure that person is the right one for you. Take some time to date the person, and get to know him or her. Take your time and give the relationship a chance to develop. This can help you find out whether or not he or she is a match for you.
Marriage is a challenge, but one that is well worth it. Hopefully, the good will outweigh the bad. Using these tools can help build a successful relationship that will last for as long as you both live. Consider some counseling, learn the right communication skills, and be prepared for hard times. Don't rush into anything and marry someone until you know that person well and are completely sure he or she is the person you want to be with forever.
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