Show M Make lasting happy lasting happy marriages plan marriages plan ahead EDDINGS can be WEDDINGS beautiful marriage proposals romantic courtships fun but marriage is a serious matter Good marriages require work from both spouses What makes a good marriage marriage marriage mar mar- The opposite of what makes a bad one What did we most often hear in our bur courts before no- no fault divorce In a word word word-in- in compatibility The antonym for that is compatibility For a compatible lasting marriage a couple needs compatible tastes and inter inter- ests That doesn't mean identical It means that each one appreciates the tastes and pursuits of the other And that's something two people can learn about one another as they get to know each other Openness honesty talking and listening listening listen listen- ing to one another will help Motives now Motives now theres there's a loaded word Why did you do that Why do you want to do it Why wont won't you do doit doit doit it Famous Famous' last last words Aft After r marriage its it's too late Find out ahead of time Compatible Compatible Com Corn reasoning is needed Go Goals a Is al aims m s as aspirations pI r a these these synonymous ingredients are essential to toa a happy marriage If they are in conflict the marriage will be the same Be honest with yourselves If your values your priorities are areat areat areat at odds before youre you're married married married mar mar- ried the situation will only worsen afterwards afterwards becom becom becoming ing intolerable after having children Preparing for marriage means far more than picking the perfect gown cake and invitations It embraces more important matters than fun bridal showers and means much more than individual perceptions perceptions perceptions of the perfect wed wed- ding Whether one chooses a quiet romantic day or a spectacular spectacular spectacular spec spec- event the happiness or disappointment that follows follows follows fol fol- fol- fol lows depends most on getting to know each other and learning how compatible you really are before you set the date You can make a marriage last without compatibility You just cant can't make it happy |