Considering Success in Marriage

Your success in marriage depends largely upon having sound and constructive attitudes toward love. For Americans, this can be difficult. Especially because of the fictions we've been taught since childhood, which are supported by movies and other cultural influences. In fact, the love upon which so many base their marriages is one or a combination of the following:

1. The appeal of the romance and adventure of marriage itself

2. The response to a person who reminds them of some one whom they have loved

3. The desire to escape from an unhappy situation

4. Consolation for failure or disappointment

5. Social pressures and/or the fear of being "left on the shelf"

6. Sexual desires

7. Some minor point of attraction

These forms of love are not false ? they are very real. Often, they are intense enough to give a person an overwhelming feeling of certainty about marriage. And some of them ? such as numbers 1, 6 and 7 ? have a proper place in marriage.

Their danger is that they are superficial. No single one of them, or all of them together, is strong enough to constitute the foundations of a successful marriage. Yet these deceive people who believe that "love is enough" into choosing unsuitable mates.

Love which can make a marriage rich and worthwhile must go far deeper. It must be based upon such things as common interests, ideals, values, and goals which involve worthy purposes. A common desire to have and raise happy and healthy children is among the strongest and most important of these common goals. Such a love is not something which you "fall in" before you marry.

Rather, it is something which you build together through the years. Those who have found a sounder base for love wil find that the thrill, glow, and romance of their marriage increases over time. The richest joy of marriage comes from a relationship with each other which constantly develops and matures. The deepest and most abiding love is that which has become an expression of all life's experiences and meanings for you both.

Chuck Smith is the owner and webmaster of Wedding Home Pages, where you can download a professionally-designed wedding template for your special day. Visit Wedding Home Pages for the wedding web site of your dreams.

---

Unique Wedding Favors

When it comes to consideration for the right wedding favor,... Read More

Who Should Get A Gift At Your Wedding?

Planning a wedding is hard enough without having to think... Read More

How to Avoid Destructive Dynamics in Your Marriage

A dynamic that prevents real connection in a relationship is... Read More

Wedding Favors, a Special Thank You for Your Guests

Wedding favors are as unique and varied as the couples... Read More

Marriage Advice: What to Throw Overboard When Your Marriage Is In Trouble

When your marriage is in trouble and you're fighting to... Read More

How To Choose Your Wedding Cake

One of my favorite parts about the wedding, is the... Read More

Cheap Wedding Party Gifts

Thanking your wedding party with special gifts is a favored... Read More

Whats a Goldfish Doing at a Wedding?

Time was when you'd open a wedding invitation you'd find... Read More

Throwing a Las Vegas Garden Wedding

You may not think of Las Vegas as an area... Read More

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Wedding Officiants

Tracking down a wedding officiant can be a little intimidating.... Read More

3 Easy Steps to Buying the Right Engagement Ring

You've made the plunge, you've decided to get married. Congratulations!Don't... Read More

Belize Honeymoon Resorts

The enchanting Belize honeymoon resorts captivate every visitor through the... Read More

Wedding Flowers -- Determining What You Need

Wedding flowers make up a large part of the wedding... Read More

Symbolism of Wedding Rings

"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of... Read More

Thoughts from Deik and Kims Wedding, for You and Your Marriage

Deik and Kim, remember that marriage is a COVENANT relationship.... Read More

Doing Things Your Own Way

No one said that you had to follow the rule... Read More

Wedding Dresses - Frequently Asked Questions

You've gotten engaged and have set the wedding date and... Read More

Tips For A Lasting Marriage

My parents gave me this advice about marriage. They have... Read More

Riding into the Sunset in Style

Details, details, details. Paying attention to details, that's what makes... Read More

How A Marriage Counseling Secret Can Save Your Marriage

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

What Makes The Best Wedding Anniversary Gift?

Choosing a wedding anniversary gift that wows your husband or... Read More

Marriage A Menace

Apparently for a person to get married is like burning... Read More

Flower Girl Flowers

There are many options available to adorn your flower girl... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 4

When Maria Callas first appeared on the international scene, she... Read More

Bridal Hair Stylist Goes Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

You are locked in your seat on the most famous... Read More

Do You Hear Wedding Bells?

So you've been in that perfect relationship for some time... Read More

A Look at Maui Wedding Cakes

Since Maui and Hawaii in general have been blessed with... Read More

Expressions of Devotion: Buying Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings, and Wedding Bands Online

Ritual symbolism abounds in everything we do; this is particularly... Read More

Invitation Anatomy 101 - Optional Components - Part 2 of 3

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

What Is A Destination Wedding Dress?

Just as destination weddings are fast growing in popularity, so... Read More

Wonderful White Gold Wedding Rings

The elegant and sophisticated look of glittering, gleaming gold. There's... Read More

Enhancing Communication in Marriage

In marriages, many arguments and hurt feelings can be traced... Read More

The Wide Range of Maui Wedding Ceremonies

Whatever your religious affiliation, or whatever you'd like to experience,... Read More