Couples who have been married for decades must have learnt a trick or two which helps them stay married and enjoy the experience. What advice will they offer to couples thinking of getting married in the future? Should new couples meet difficulties, how can they receive the best advice from premarital counsellors such as Andre?
Put Your Relationship First
People with experience of a successful marriage are often happy to pass on what has worked for them, so that you can learn from difficulties other couples have faced. Many will say you should make the relationship a priority. This can sometimes feel like it clashes with putting children first, and it can also be complicated by commitments to parents and siblings.
Those with a great knowledge will suggest that it is better to talk through any difficulties and never retreat to your bedroom, to sleep in an angry mood. Coupled with this suggestion will be the advice to never leave during an argument, unless it becomes physically or mentally difficult for either partner. What they really mean is that it is better to talk through any issues so that you can bring them to a conclusion as soon as possible.
Understanding Forgiveness
When Andre meet with committed religious couples for premarital counselling, we know that they will quickly raise the subject of how quickly they should offer to forgive their partner, whoever caused the problem and whoever is to blame.
Each culture, religion and particularly where couples are mixed from different countries around the world, present their own background, respect and information, that makes the person what they are today.
When You Are Unsure of Your Next Move
