Ramblings Of The Farmers Wife!

Marriage a Lifelong Commitment! 

Marriage is a lifelong commitment, or at least it should be. The alternative to marriage is living together or cohabitating, where is the commitment in that? Having stability in your marriage leads to happiness, better health, and prosperity. Extensive research has been done on the benefits of marriage. Research shows that married adults are healthier than non-married couples. Some of the health benefits are lower risk of depression; life expectancy increases with the marriage duration and reduces mental disorders and substance abuse.  Research shows that married couples are better off financially as well.

Having realistic expectations helps bring couples closer emotionally as well as physically. Life has its ups and downs. Being real with each other and staying committed will help you journey through all trial’s life hands out. Marriage is like a bank account. You must make the deposits to cover the withdrawals. You must put the time and energy into the relationship if you want to have positive results. I know that we have had our challenges in my married life that have tested our commitment, but, in the end, we could not imagine life without each other. Some of the best moments in our lives have happened together with unforgettable memories made. Marriage is two imperfect people sharing a life, so do not worry about having the "perfect marriage."

I have had a few friends who thought it was best to move in together instead of getting married. Some have said marriage is just a piece of paper. It does not mean anything. WRONG, marriage is everything. It is the commitment that you make to another to be there for the good, bad, and sad. It is too easy to walk away when you have not committed to marrying. Research shows that couples who lived together before marriage have higher divorce rates, more negative communication, and lower levels of marital satisfaction.  Couples who live together without being married often develop a mindset of "if it doesn't work out, I can easily get out," which probably never really goes away even after marriage.