Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts: Key Tips for Success
Introduction
The journey toward a successful marriage begins long before you say, “I do.” By preparing for the realities of marriage early on, couples can avoid many of the pitfalls that lead to conflicts and potential divorce. The concept of “Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts” emphasizes the importance of laying a strong foundation through communication, trust, and mutual understanding.
In this guide, we’ll explore essential strategies to prepare for a successful marriage. By taking these proactive steps, you can prevent a “Marriage From Divorce” and create a thriving partnership from the start.
What Is “Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts” About?
1. Explanation of Core Ideas
“Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts” (SYMBIS) is a concept and popular book by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott that focuses on relationship education. It’s designed to help couples build strong communication skills, manage expectations, and develop conflict-resolution strategies before marriage.
2. How Early Relationship Education Can Prevent Conflicts
SYMBIS encourages couples to prepare for marriage by discussing important topics, such as finances, family roles, and personal values. This approach not only strengthens bonds but also prevents common issues from escalating.
3. Overview of SYMBIS Workbook, eBook, and Devotional
The Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts Workbook, available on Amazon, includes exercises to help couples explore key topics together. The eBook and devotional versions offer additional guidance for those seeking spiritual growth as part of their preparation.
Explore more about how to prepare for marriage using the SYMBIS approach.
Why It’s Important to Save Your Marriage Before It Begins
1. Building Communication Skills
Effective communication is foundational to any strong marriage. Couples who develop these skills early can better manage misunderstandings and build trust.
2. Managing Expectations and Conflict-Resolution Techniques
Discussing roles, responsibilities, and expectations before marriage helps create mutual satisfaction and prevents disappointment later on. Real-life examples show that early preparation reduces the likelihood of major conflicts.
3. How Early Preparation Prevents Major Issues
Couples who engage in premarital counseling or use resources like SYMBIS often report fewer conflicts, stronger connections, and higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
Key Tips for Success Before Getting Married
Tip 1: Communication Skills
Establishing open and honest communication is crucial for a strong relationship. Practical exercises from the Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts Workbook include:
- Active listening drills: Practice focusing on your partner’s words without interrupting.
- Expressing emotions constructively: Use “I” statements to communicate feelings without blame.
Tip 2: Managing Expectations
Before marriage, discuss expectations regarding roles, family planning, and financial responsibilities. Setting realistic expectations creates harmony and reduces conflicts.
Tip 3: Building Trust
Trust is built through honesty, transparency, and reliability. Engage in trust-building activities, such as sharing personal stories and being consistent in actions and words.
Discover more about building a strong foundation before marriage.
How to Save Your Marriage in 3 Simple Steps (Before It Starts)
Step 1: Set Clear, Mutual Goals for the Future
Talk about your shared goals for finances, careers, and family. Discuss where you want to live, your budget, and plans for children.
Step 2: Engage in Regular Relationship Check-Ins
Have weekly or biweekly check-ins to discuss what’s working well and what could improve in your relationship. This keeps both partners aligned and encourages continuous growth.
Step 3: Foster a Habit of Expressing Gratitude
Regularly expressing gratitude builds emotional intimacy and positivity. Say “thank you” for small things, like making breakfast or helping with a task, to maintain closeness.
How to Save Your Marriage When It Seems Impossible
1. Approach Potential Roadblocks Early
Even before marriage, it’s crucial to address potential roadblocks, such as differing family dynamics or financial issues. Discuss these topics openly to prevent them from becoming larger issues later.
2. Techniques for Handling Difficult Issues
- Use empathy: Understand your partner’s perspective, even during disagreements.
- Compromise effectively: Find middle ground where both partners feel valued.
3. How Early Preparation Can Prevent a “Marriage From Divorce”
Proactive communication, trust-building, and conflict management techniques help prevent the emotional distance that often leads to divorce.
Learn more about how to prevent divorce through early preparation.
Saving Your Marriage in 30 Days (Preparation Focused)
1. A 30-Day Plan for Building a Strong Foundation
This 30-day plan includes daily exercises from the Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts Devotional, focusing on personal growth and relational health.
2. Daily Exercises for Personal and Relational Growth
- Week 1: Focus on communication skills, such as sharing thoughts openly.
- Week 2: Build trust by being transparent about personal concerns.
- Week 3: Set goals for finances, careers, and family planning.
- Week 4: Strengthen emotional intimacy through acts of kindness and gratitude.
Key Questions for Success from the Workbook
1. Overview of Seven Key Questions
The Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts Workbook includes seven critical questions that help couples understand each other’s perspectives deeply:
- What is your biggest fear about marriage?
- How do you handle stress and conflict?
- What are your expectations for roles and responsibilities?
2. How These Questions Help Couples Address Concerns Early
Discussing these questions before marriage helps identify potential concerns and allows couples to address them before they become major issues.
Quotes and Inspiration for Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts
1. Motivational Quotes from the Book
- “The success of your marriage tomorrow begins with the decisions you make today.” — Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott
- “Marriage is not about finding the right person, but about being the right person.”
2. Quotes Emphasizing Preparation and Love
- “A strong marriage rarely has two strong people at the same time. It has a husband and wife taking turns being strong for each other.”
- “The best preparation for marriage is learning how to communicate openly and honestly.”
Conclusion
Preparing for marriage is one of the best investments you can make for a happy, lasting relationship. By following the principles outlined in “Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts”—from developing communication skills to managing expectations—you can create a strong foundation that prevents common issues and enhances love and trust.
Take these proactive steps, stay committed to growth, and remember: the effort you put in now can prevent a “Marriage From Divorce” in the future.