3 Steps to Marrying the Right Person

Marrying for love, financial security and/or companionship does not guarantee long lasting happiness. While legitimate reasons for entering into a marriage, they can blind a person to the signs of a doomed relationship.

Currently, more than 40 million people aged 20-49 are divorced or separated according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Social and Economic Supplement. Luckily, there are 41 million people who still have time to reduce their odds of becoming a statistic.

Here are three steps to help you eliminate incompatible dates and bring yourself closer to marriage.

1. First, write down 20 things that you strongly believe.

For example, do you strongly believe that:

  • One person should remain in the home with the children
  • Household bills should be evenly split or men should carry the major financial burden
  • A family should practice the same religion
2. Next, write down 10 of your biggest pet peeves.

For example, does it bother you when:

  • Teeth are picked in public
  • Toothpaste is left in the sink
  • Unclean dishes are left in the sink overnight
3. Finally, cross out the items on your lists for which you will compromise.

For example, if cleanliness is an issue for you, would you compromise with the hiring of a maid?

Marriage is supposed to be forever. Very few people enter into a marriage with the intentions of it ending in divorce. But too many people learn late in a relationship that their beliefs and traits are incompatible with the person to whom they have committed. By acting now to write down things that can potentially sabotage a relationship 1, 5 or even 10 years down the line, you put yourself on the path to sustain your relationship or enter into one that is better for your sanity.

© Copyright 2005 by Tiffany Green.

Tiffany is the author of "Grading on a Curve: The Marriageability Factor ? 99 Traits, Beliefs and Actions to look for in a Mate" (ISBN 1-4116-3996-0). She has recently released a Web site http://www.MarriageabilityFactor.com with tips, articles and resources to help women make wiser decisions in relationships.



Wedding Receiving Line Etiquette?Greeting Your Guests with Style

Even though it's a great tradition with a long history,... Read More

Dallas Wedding Receptions

The most important day of your life is drawing near... Read More

Marriage and the Election

Dear Friends of Marriage,There is a lot of talk on... Read More

Secrets to Controlling Your Man

Ben* has been happily married for 19 years. He recently... Read More

Weddings - Who Pays For What?

Of course, times have changed and there are occasions where... Read More

How A Marriage Counseling Secret Can Save Your Marriage

How do you react if your spouse announces "I want... Read More

Replacing Your Lost Wedding Ring

Imagine it's Halloween evening and you've just gone to the... Read More

Wedding Anniversary Symbols

Most people are aware that significant wedding anniversaries such as... Read More

A Summer Wedding

THE sunshine had come out to ensure the wedding of... Read More

The Maid of Honor ? Remember, It?s All About the Bride!

The term and role "Maid of Honor" is sometimes confusing,... Read More

Wedding Speeches Made Easy: Wedding Speech or Best Mans Speech Tips

Have you ever had to give a wedding speech? As... Read More

The Definition of Love

I saw real love while working at a cozy, candle-lit... Read More

A Promise Ring- More Than Just a Pre-Engagement Ring

When one thinks of a promise ring it is common... Read More

Anniversary Gift Guide

An anniversary gift is the opportunity to show your loved... Read More

How Is A Professional Wedding Designer Different From Other Wedding Vendors Who Do Event Planning?

Often when you are looking for wedding vendors who suit... Read More

Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

Everybody who has decided to marry wants their day to... Read More

Bridal Shower Games Are Extremely Fun!

Bridal shower games are a wonderful way to put your... Read More

Are American Women Driving Their Men Away?

Recently, I stumbled across something on the internet. A particular... Read More

Like Sand Through an Hour Glass

Symbols! Weddings are full of them. Exchanging rings. Exchanging roses.... Read More

Mindfulness and Marriage: Moving Along

Marriage has to be the greatest opportunity for mindfulness on... Read More

Invitation Anatomy 101 - Typical Components - Part 1 of 3

"What am I supposed to have in my invitation?" This... Read More

Invitation Anatomy 101 - Optional Components - Part 2 of 3

Hopefully, you've read my prerequisite lesson "Invitation Anatomy 101 ?... Read More

Dealing With Your Spouses Sexual Past

"Couples who've had sex before marriage will inevitably have sexual... Read More

Las Vegas Hotel Weddings

"Las Vegas hotel weddings give you tons of options. You... Read More

Net Savvy Indian Brides and Grooms

India is a diverse, multi-cultural country with people of various... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language: