We prepare for so many things in life. We prepare to go to school, choose a field of study, choose a career, etc. Everything is planned and prepared by us for our own satisfaction. Marriage is an important aspect in our life. So, when it comes to marriage don’t we need to prepare?

Marriage is an important venture. It is not only one of life’s sweetest ventures, but also one of the riskiest. Couples can enjoy a happy married life if they would participate in active preparation for marriage. Generally youngsters today are into cohabiting with the idea of getting to know the person they are planning to marry. But research shows that cohabiting couples do not stand any better chance at a successful marriage!

What is the best way to learn about marriage? You can learn everything about marriage through a skill-based pre-marriage education or marriage preparation training. Studies show that marriage preparation reduces divorce by about thirty percent.

Marriage preparation is training given to couples to handle their marriage successfully. Training is given through courses, seminars and or counseling. Couples are trained in areas such as conflict resolving, communication, problem solving and decision-making. Training also focuses on developing the proper attitudes, gaining particular knowledge, realistic expectations and characteristics that are essential in creating satisfying relationship. Financial aspect is also discussed and couples are taught to become aware of the importance of planning their finances based on each other’s assets and debts so that they do not get into financial arguments later on.

Training is given before marriage to help the individual partners to assess their personal readiness for marriage. Marriage preparation focuses on other areas such as friendship, commitment, fidelity, intimacy, etc. Both partners are instructed to apply their learned skills in areas such as finances, sexuality, companionship, compatibility, mutual respect, expectations about children, parenting matters, career goals, etc.
What are the benefits of marriage preparation?

Research shows that marriage preparation is very effective. Couples who attended the pre-marriage training are said to have seen positive results in their relationship. They are able to communicate better, manage conflicts effectively, have a higher commitment to their partner, able to focus on the positive side of a relationship, and enjoy an over all improved quality of a relationship. Areas, which lead to divorce such as household chores, career, sexual relations, finance, etc., are already discussed during the training. This helps couples identify each other’s expectations and discover areas of differences.

Marriage preparation is an eye-opener. Based on the understanding of each other the two individuals either confirm the choice of their mate or are wise enough to call off a marriage so that a lot of future agony is avoided.

You may read books on this subject to become better informed. Other than professional counselors, training centers, seminars and classes, churches, synagogues and communities also help with premarital preparation. The important point is, whichever education you choose, remember to practice what you learn. Practice makes your marriage perfect!