Issue Date: August 27, 2006
Marrying right
Be sure before you tie the knot.
Did you know that fall is as popular as spring for weddings? As autumn nears, I thought it was a good time for a wedding primer.
Americans love the idea of being married. More than half of the adult population is currently hitched legally. And, says a Gallup survey, three-quarters believe in "one true love." If you're one of those people, remember that it's always wise to think twice before going to the altar. Here's a checklist of things you should consider:
Have you spent lots of time together? The more you do, the more you'll learn how you both react to life's situations.
Have you spent time with each other's friends? They play a crucial role in a person's life and can be a good indicator of what someone is really like.
Do you know each other's goals, values, ambitions and beliefs? If not, find out. In addition to big issues such as sex, religion, children, work and money, don't forget to discuss hot-button topics like politics and expectations on household chores. Learn what is and isn't up for compromise.
Are the people closest to you happy about your relationship? If trusted relatives and friends describe your relationship with words like loving, honest, respectful and supportive, then you're on the right track.
Have you had premarital counseling? You'd be surprised by how many tips you can pick up about things such as communicating effectively or coping with individual fighting styles.
Doing some homework now can help you beat the divorce statistics.
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