Did you know that marriages are ordained of God? That's probably why this union between a man and a women is so important in my religion. I've been learning a lot about marriage and how to prepare for it this semester in my Marriage Prep class.

One of the things we've discussed is the fact that a lot needs to be considered when selecting a potential spouse. Not only should you consider your own personal characteristic preferences, but you should also take into account the relationship you share, all social aspects of your unioin, and both of your religious beliefs. This includes talking about how many, if any, children you want, where you want to live, how you budget your money, how the family you grew up in functioned, what personal qualities you have that would help or hinder your marriage, and expectations you have in a future spouse. My teacher said several times that it's especially important to realize that you will never find the perfect companion, because no one is perfect and that if there did exist such a person that they would probably not want to marry someone whos is not perfect as well.

Also he emphasized that the qualities each of you posses on the day of your wedding will probably be the same as on the day after your wedding. So if there is something you or your future spouse need to change it will not magically happen as soon as you are married but should be something you work on before and/or during your marriage.

Another thing he discussed in more detail was your spending habits. He said that it's really bad if you have a habit of spending money to change your mood. This will not only not really change whatever it was that put you in that mood, but it will also most likely damage your marriage financially. It was pointed out that we should never go shopping if we are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. None of these things can be changed by having a new shirt or shoes. In fact it will probably expand your already bad emotion when you receive the bill from your splurge. 

Tags: Marriage Family Preparation