There are many premarital counseling centers in the Midsouth and couples are seeking advice more than …say.. Ten or twenty years ago. Taking into consideration that couples have different reasons of why they want to marry, the question must be asked of both parties. This may very well be the first question asked by a Counselor. Have you asked yourself “Why do I want to get married?”
There are many other questions a Counselor may ask having to do with Financial Matters; Marriage Expectations; Religion and Spirituality; Conflict Resolution; Home Choices; Division of Labor/Work; Friends and Relatives; Children and Parenting; and Free Time and Dreams. The List can go on, but these mentioned are of major importance and with sound counseling and advice, can set newly married couples off on the right path to happy marital adjustment. Have you thought of these other questions?
It can also make good sense to listen to the “pearls of wisdom” of happily married older couples. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about married life when speaking to those who have “been there, done that” and who have had successful results in their marriage. Obviously, a man and woman who have been married upwards of thirty or forty years, probably have weathered some fairly ferocious storms. They made it through and are still together because they worked it out “together”. Most of them would probably tell you that it is always worthwhile to work out the problems, rather than avoid addressing them. The longer one waits to address an issue, the longer that person has to “stew”, potentially causing a problem to grow and become more difficult to solve.
No one was born knowing how to be a great marriage partner or a fabulous parent! Most people can use a little help from those who have studied and experienced these life issues. Someday, you possibly can offer advice to someone who could benefit from your valuable experience. It’s notable. Here is remarkable scripture from the Bible. It is worth mentioning here, and remembering, as you begin your new journey.
“Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud. It is not rude. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people’s wrongs.”
(1 Corinthians 13:4-5 New International Reader’s Version)
Jana Norrell/901-335-0200
