Information Related to "Building a Relationship for a Lifetime"
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How
would you like the benefit of more than one thousand years of experience
from people who are enjoying fulfilling and happy marriages? With about
half of all marriages ending in divorce, it might be good to learn from
those who have made this God-plane relationship last.
A
survey of those who have been married for at least 20 years was taken at
the 2003 Feast of Tabernacles in Branson, Missouri. Those who responded
represented 1,082 years of marriage. The average couple had spent 27 years
together and their advice was real and heartfelt. If you want to find a
soul mate and grow old together, why not read what these veterans of married
life have to say?
When asked to list some keys used to keep marriage viable, R.S. responded: "Marriage is a lifetime commitment. Have respect for the differences that your mate has. Kiss and make up when you quarrel and learn to be tolerant."
M.K. commented: "The attitude of 'once married always married' is important. So ask yourself, 'Do I want to spend the rest of my life with this person?' You will be spending it together through all of life's trials."
A.J. added, "Always consider each other's feelings and have some goals in life. Marry someone in the Church, have lots of love, laughter and hugs."
There were many comments about the need for commitment and compromise in dealing with the struggles of an imperfect mate. A morsel of wisdom from J.J. suggested that we "look at the big picture and don't dwell on small stuff. Choose your battles; they are not all worth fighting for. Sometimes a 'victory' is worse than taking the loss."
Although it might seem daunting to think about decades of shared living, one veteran, J.K., suggested: "Love each other; looks fade but love lasts forever. Build your marriage one day at a time and learn from mistakes. Pray each day for each other."
Related Information on UCG Sites:
Table of Contents that includes "Building a Relationship for a Lifetime"
Other Articles by Larry Greider
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