Challenges of Early Marriage.

When a couple first gets married, there are many challenges to overcome.

• Distribution of responsibilities
• Lifestyle - eating and sleeping habits
• Budget
• Learning to make decisions together
• Leaving other social circles behind
• Accommodating schedules
• Physical intimacy

I'm sure you can think of other challenges that will be experienced, but those are the main ones we discussed as a class. 

Couples that are well on their way to divorce have at least 10 areas of significant difference between them - meaning, they have differing views on those areas.

Couples with high marital satisfaction have at least 10 areas of significant difference between them. 

That's right - areas of difference. Both types of couples have at least 10 areas of significant difference. Places where they disagree, or have opposing views. 

So, why the difference in marital satisfaction?

It comes down to accommodation and understanding. You must care at least as much about what your partner wants as what you want. Marriage is a time to learn to put our spouse's needs above our own. We need to have love and respect for the other. It doesn't mean that you must come to have the same opinion on everything, but learn how to accommodate each other. For example, sleeping habits. Husband sleeps better when he is cold, and wife sleeps better when she is hot. How can these two sleeping habits be brought into the same bedroom? Try having a fan aimed only on the husband. Have the wife sleep with more blankets on her. 

Some problems may take brainstorming and discussion, but get creative! Work together, and make decisions as a couple.

Most importantly, appreciate each other. Point out why you love and appreciate your spouse. Say thank you - at least 10 times a day. Look for the positive in your spouse, and withhold judgement.