You can ask anyone about marriage and the answer will almost always be the same. I want a good, strong, happy marriage. No one stands at the altar and says, “I’ll give you the best five years of my life.”
Polls and surveys share the same information on marriage. The vast majority of people desire happy, lasting marriages, whether rich or poor, male or female, and regardless of cultural background.
The big secret about marriage is that it works. Yes, I said it, marriage works. While out-of-wedlock birth rates are high and divorce rates are higher, marriage works. Look at the last thirty years of research; married couples are happier, live longer, and build greater financial security. Children with married parents perform better in school, have better physical health, have lower rates of suicide, and experience fewer cases of child abuse. Click here for new research on “Why Marriage Matters: Thirty Conclusions from Social Science.”
Deep down, everyone wishes they could have a rewarding lifelong commitment with their spouse. But in the midst of challenges, we forget how marriage can benefit our personal lives. We are losing our determination and the skills to keep marriages healthy and strong.
February 7-14, 2013 is National Marriage Week. This time is set aside to focus on the institution of marriage and strengthen it at a national level. This is a collaborative effort that encourages groups to strengthen individual marriages, reduce the divorce rate, and build a stronger marriage culture. The website offers several marriage resources, event guides, reading lists, and videos on how to build a satisfying marriage.
As we approach Valentine’s Day, let us focus on the skills that can strengthen our relationships and keep our marriages intact. Here are a couple of goals or reminders for a healthy marriage:
- make time for each other (fun, friendship, romance)
- work as a team (instead of me vs. you)
- talk without fighting
Remember why you fell in love and think how hard you worked to maintain your romance. After marriage, we normally encounter a period of time when couples spend less time on their relationship due to kids, careers, and other factors. Take time to reconnect, go on a date, and rekindle the romance in your marriage. Use National Marriage Week as a way to strengthen your marriage and focus on the one you love.
God Squad 
Good positive reading about “Marriage”. It is refreshing to learn the positive side of marriage and that marriage really works. The article inspires the reader that all is not lost. Despite the turbulence, marriage triumphs. The God Who institutes marriage will certainly see it through.
Thank you for the comment. We should follow God’s example of perfect, eternal love when it comes to marriage. God does not give up on us. We should not give up on loving our spouse. Too many couples are throwing in the towel when trials surface. It is time to reverse the trend. It is time for the Church to help young couples. God bless you!