All of this preparation involves great communication. Being able to discuss differences and work out conflict is a valuable skill. "How to Have a World Class Marriage", part of the Howell-Jones Training Program, teaches communication skills. "How do you expect me to find the place if you leave the directions at home?" Their program manual example suggests avoiding blame when talking about your spouse's actions. Try saying how you are affected without resorting to "rubbing their nose in it." The Howell-Jones Training Program believes that open communication is a key skill to learn before marriage.

Sometimes all of this would be a lot easier if we could just have a set of relationship rules to abide by. This is the idea in Dr. Chérie Carter-Scott's book If Love is a Game, These are the Rules where she teaches that creating love is a process. Moving from "I" to "We" requires a shift in perspective and energy. Becoming a life couple is an evolution that isn't over on the day of your wedding. Like a garden, it is essential to nurture the relationship in order for it to thrive. If you treasure your beloved with the love and nutrients they need your relationship will flourish. If Love is a Game, These are the Rules will guide you in your preparation for a long, healthy life together.

Preparation involves several things but couples should also plan on keeping the fun in their marriage! Up until the wedding the relationship has existed on dates, why change that now? 10 Great Dates by David and Claudia Arp is based on good, fun principles to keep marriages alive. The Arps say that dates are a practical way to strengthen your friendship AND your marriage. Their program, MarriageAlive, goes by the motto that "fun in marriage is serious business." 10 Great Dates is a book and a program that both men and women can enjoy.

Planning your wedding can be stressful but there is always an end result. Why not put the same amount of time into planning your marriage? Learn how to be happy with yourselves, how to communicate and how to have fun with one another. Most of us know at least one couple that has been together seemingly forever and they are still in love with one another. We all want that same harmony but most of us will have to work together if we hope to achieve it.

This is possible with a little planning, commitment and help from the experts. Diane Sollee, founder and director of the Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education, provides information on dozens of marriage education courses at SmartMarriages.com, a national directory of marriage education courses. They¹re affordable and take on average only 12 hours of your time. Certainly these are the things to do if you are serious about keeping your vows and keeping your love alive.

Congratulations on your engagement and good luck in the future, although luck has nothing to do with it!

SITE INFORMATION:

www.RealRelationships.com Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott
www.Pairs.org Seth Eisenberg, CEO
www.SmartMarriages.com Diane Sollee
www.WorldClassMarriage.com Patty Howell and Ralph Jones
www.MarriageAlive.com Claudia and David Arp