Marriage Preparation Course

Recently, Joe and me enrolled in a Marriage Preparation Course organised by Touch Community Services. Although Pastor had done a church-wide series on marriage, we thought it would be good to attend a course in a smaller group, allowing for discussions. We chose this course too as it would be conducted by a real-life couple in the comfort of their home. And after going thru 2 lessons the past 2 Sundays, really find my instructors very warm and hospitable. Feel they also created a great family environment that anyone would love to grow up in.

Learnt a lot and shall share more in other posts, here's some interesting insights:

* Sex is second to hunger for a guy! Wow, I sure didn't know that! Just imagine, second to hunger! And that is why it is important that the wife fulfills that need in her husband.

* For a wife, if the husband helps out with housework, it is a real act of love for the wife. If he neglects to do that, she will feel as if one of her emotional needs are not being met. Yes, HOUSEWORK!

* We often talk about how communication is very important for a couple. Thus, it is important to understand how communication can break down in a relationship. Breakdown of communication is often a symptom of a lack of respect for each other. It can occur gradually when a couple starts to lose respect for each other and devalue each other. So it is important that you always reflect and ensure you respect and value your spouse.

* Once a couple gets married, loyalty to each other must take prominence over loyalty to their family. No spouse should ever feel that he/she is less important than the spouse's family.

* A couple should always have a united front before their families. And that would mean that when you have marriage problems, dun share with your family members or friends or go back to your family home. Family members and friends will always take sides and be biased and matters will be complicated. Instead, find a neutral and objective third party to help you resolve matters.

* After a quarrel, dun leave your spouse physically and most of all, dun leave the room or the house. No matter how angry, still sleep on the same bed so that once you have sorted out your feelings and you are ready to reconcile, you can easily do it.

* Always make time to date even after marriage and make time for "couple talk" - heart to heart talk, no matter how busy you may be. Many couples neglect that after the wedding and some even become strangers living under the same roof. Dun let your various commitments take precedence!

* Before marriage, it would be good to discuss important issues like family arrangements, frequency of visiting in-laws, finances, number of kids, etc.

Interesting?