We believe marriage is a lifelong commitment, built on a partnership in which the spouses are equal. Strengthening that partnership should be the couple's number one priority no matter how their life changes over the years.
Marriages fail for many reasons, but high on the list is a lack of communication, particularly about marital money. Don't leave it to chance. It make take more than sitting down together to talk. Educate yourselves in ways you make this partnership the one you've always wanted. Because of the national concern over the divorce rate, there's lots of help out here.
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers http://www.aaml.org/Marriage_Last/MarriageMain.htm has compiled an on-line guide to preventing divorce, including tips on improving communication skills, money management, assessing changing priorities and dealing with infidelity. The organization also suggests that couples consider professional therapy and marriage programs sponsored by religious organizations.
For programs affiliated with religious groups, check with your clergy or visit one of the following websites:
Episcopal Marriage Encounter
http://www.episcopalme.com/
International Lutheran Marriage Encounter
http://www.ilme.org/lme.html
National Marriage Encounter
(interfaith)
(1-800-828-3351)
http://marriage-encounter.org/
Presbyterian Marriage Encounter
http://www.presby-me.org/
Retrouvaille International
4301 3 Mile Rd.
Bay City, MI 48706
Phone: +1 (517) 684-5206
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~retro/welcome.htm
Email: internl.finance@retrouvaille.org
If you feel your relationship is headed for trouble, consider counseling or therapy. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy has an online service for finding a therapist near you.
