Intentional Marriage

A recently published study is showing that marriage rates continue to climb after Covid, while divorce and annulment rates are dropping. This is great news and a positive to come out of a difficult time for many. Why is that?

Many couples moved in together and were locked down during Covid.  As a result of living/working together, many couples had to face typical issues not usually addressed until much later in their relationship such as finances, compromising and autonomy.

Those facts in addition to couples choosing partners who they share more companionship with than necessarily are just romantic partners, leads to the new statistics.

This intentionality of designing a marriage that will foster a healthy, happy relationship that allows for individual happiness as well as happiness as a couple has been the foundation for premarital education classes long before Covid. Having a third party guide couples along the discussions; couples talking about things they might not have considered on their own; learning how to prevent conflict, move through it quickly and how to come out stronger on the other side of conflict; identifying their communication styles; navigating extended family relationships; and more can make the difference between a couple not being prepared for the ebbs and flows of marriage, and keeping their relationship healthy when things get tough.

There are a variety of programs offered that are focused in different ways. Religious organizations usually offer a program focused on the teachings of their faith. Professional therapists offer programs focused on resolving childhood issues that can cause problems in a relationship down the line. The program I offer is focused on helping couples gain skills needed, based on scientific research and real world best practices.

If you're considering getting married or just did so, consider enrolling in a premarital education program. It's not that important to complete it before your wedding day. It's more important that you complete it before you need the skills.