Questions to Ask Before You Marry

It is said that getting married is “the most idealistic thing we will ever do.” How true that is! We didn’t think so before we got married, but we sure saw it afterward.

When we enter marriage we’re filled with so many hopes and dreams. We believe they all will come true. That’s because we have found the person we want to spend the rest of our lives with. We believe we are two people destined to build a life of love together.

But as we look around we see so many couples who don’t seem excited about their love anymore. As we look at the divorce statistics, we need to take note. These couples were probably filled with the same hopes and dreams as us. They probably thought they had found the person they could build a great life with —a life filled with love. But something changed along life’s path for them.  It’s something, or some things that took them by surprise.

Ask Questions

Perhaps, just perhaps, a big part of the reason might be that they didn’t work through as many hidden, unrealistic expectations as they should have before marrying. It’s very possible that if they had, they would have been more prepared for the real world they would enter into if and when they married.

That’s why books, such as the one that Bill and Pam Farrel wrote titled, The Before-You-Marry Book of Questions published by Harvest House, is a great one to go through together with the one you are dating or engaged to.

It seems to be a good one to give you insight into some very important issues you will eventually encounter. And it sure seems wise to process through those important matters now, rather than waiting. This way you’re all the more sure of your choice in each other. And you’re all the more prepared for the great marriage you believe you will build together.

Wishing

How I wish that my husband Steve and I would have had a book, such as this one. We came into marriage SO unprepared. We were just sure that our love would “naturally” grow and grow. It didn’t. Yes, at first things were great. But eventually as life pushed us against each other, as it most often does, we encountered major problems in our marriage. That is something we never, ever thought would happen to us. Perhaps you can relate.

I believe with all my heart that this type of book is essential to help you learn not only more about each other, but also to learn how to better learn how to handle differences. It helps you to persevere in working together. It shows you that sometimes you have to “agree to disagree.” Other times, you need to build relationship bridges, despite your differing ways. This book will help you with that mission.

What I like about this book is that the authors, Bill and Pam mix it up. The methods they use help you better get to know each other. You may think you know what you should, but as you go through the questions and the exercises, I think you’ll be surprised. I found several things about this book and many questions different than other pre-marriage question books. They all have their own unique slant on what they are trying to help you learn about each other.

Consider

So, please consider getting this one, The Before-You-Marry Book of Questions, plus a few more for a good balance. We recommend many in the “Recommended Links and Resources” in the Marriage Prep Tools topic.

“It’s as simple as this: You can pay now or pay later. You can do the long and rewarding work of talking about your histories —where you come from and what you expect —or you can wait until those issues just show up. And they will show up. (Toben and Joanne Heim)

Here’s some advice from Dr Debbie L. Cherry, which I hope you will take seriously:

“Taking time to develop the healthiest communication skills you can at this stage can save you much heartache in future stages that are even more stressful. Couples are often very good at both talking and listening during dating. This open and honest sharing is how you became so close. It’s what made you feel you knew each other so well. You took time to really listen to each other and gave each other your undivided attention on a regular basis.

“Once married, these skills seem to get lost in the shuffle of daily events. The time you have available is less and less as the children arrive. So take advantage of the fact that during this stage there is more time for the two of you to communicate and grow closer. Use the time available in this stage to develop the best communication habits possible. This will help you make it through to that last stage. That’s when once again you’ll find that you have more time for each other.”

I hope you will because I believe it can truly help you.

Cindy Wright of Marriage Missions International wrote this blog.

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