Premarital Counseling

Remember how your school teacher often said “Proper preparation prevents poor performance?” Well nowhere does that maxim hold true than in marriage. Imagine two couples, let’s call them Couple A & Couple B who set out on a journey to find the place called “Happily Ever After”. Couple A took the time to learn from previous adventurers about the terrain.  Their eyes widened with excitement at the reports of the breathtaking sights and delightful experiences they would encounter. They learned about how they would encounter swampy areas, They were warned about the slippery slopes and the need to have climbing shoes with extra grip. They heard about the extreme heat, extreme cold, and sandstorms that came with the dessert portions. They were also told about a high wall they would have to scale to at some point in their journey.

Couple A armed with information, went ahead to purchase all the tools and supplies they would need.  Together they went for a medical assessment to be sure that they could undertake the journey. They also began exercise routines to improve their levels of fitness, endurance, and strength before starting their journey. Couple B on the other hand was so excited at the prospect of finding “Happily Ever After” that they set out immediately on their journey with zeal and determination of finding it no matter what. You can guess how the story ends…

Couple A made it and Couple B called it quits. While we understand that Happily Ever After isn’t a destination but a journey of forever Intending couples are often lovebirds who can’t wait to begin their lives of “happily ever after” and yes even though marital bliss is possible, too many couples fall short. Why? Circumstances emerged that were either unexpected or found severely unprepared or underprepared. Some studies have shown that premarital counseling reduces the likelihood of divorce by as much as 50%.