Marriage heralds a new chapter in everyone’s life because it is responsible for creating a new relationship. But, before a man and a woman enter into this relationship, they must speak to each other, because along with the marriage, come responsibilities. That is why marriage is considered unique and special. For fulfilling the responsibilities expected of the man and the woman, it is better both of them choose to have couple’s counseling before the marriage.
Pre-marital counseling may prepare the couples well. There are many good books that offer this counseling so that the man and the woman can easily find solutions for the problems they may encounter. Some of the principles of this counseling are discussed here:
There May Be Many Differences Between Them
The foremost point in a couple’s counseling is that the man and the woman who intend to get married must understand that they are completely different from each other. There are not only physical differences but, they may have differences in their backgrounds, their outlooks towards life and the ways they adopt for approaching the problems and situations they face. But, this does not mean that they should not get married. The differences between a man and a woman are natural and so, the couple should learn to celebrate and not curse these differences. Once they learn this, their bonding will be strong and so, their marriage will be successful.
Do Not Allow Others To Decide How You Should Live
You must never allow others to interfere or dictate how you should lead your new life after your marriage. This includes your parents and parents-in-law also. Some of the relatives or friends may come out with various suggestions and though they may not have any bad intentions, their suggestions may create a wedge or rift between you and your spouse.
There May Be Surprises
It is often said that life can throw surprises. Likewise, you may come across sudden surprises also in your married life. There may be both blissful days and hard days. You should not be caught unawares and hence, you should be mentally prepared for surprises in your married life. Though you may not be a soothsayer to predict what may come, preparedness may help you in handling such sudden situations. The purpose of premarital couple’s counseling is that you should be made to understand that such challenges may help in strengthening your relationship with your partner.
Making A Commitment To Make The Marriage Work
A commitment to make the marriage work is just not for the altar but, it is for the entire lifetime. You must understand that marriage is much more than love. You can call it as a commitment to make the love work. You must constantly remind yourself about this commitment. This commitment should be there even during difficult phases. If couples openly ask for help without delaying, problems may not last long. Sometimes, professional counseling may be needed and couples should not hesitate to go for such counseling also.
Further, spouses must review and evaluate their mutual relationship periodically. This will help them to make the necessary changes in their behavior, attitude or activities.
The man and the woman who wish to get married should not hesitate to ask questions during couple’s counseling. Once they are clear about their roles and responsibilities, they can work together for making their marriage successful all thanks to couple’s counseling.