More Than Pet Peeves

How far will true love carry you? Hopefully until death do you part. Money-yes we must talk about it before we say ” I Do”. Keep a joint bank account for all household expenses but also keep separate savings and checking accounts. You mind yours. I’ll mind mine. We both will mind ours.

Tithe from your own personal money. Don’t combine or make decisions on how much tithing should be. Tithing is not negotiable. Read the Bible Malachi 3:8-11. God blesses each person differently and we need to tithe accordingly. Offerings to church or other charities can be discussed and agreed upon but this is up to the couple. Do right by God and He will do right by you. You could never out give God.

Don’t let the “mean’ or “bossy” monsters take over. Don’t go to bed mad at each other. Overnight anger usually does not subside. It usually festers. Agree to disagree but also agree to compromise. If a situation can’t be resolved before bedtime agree to continue the next day. Marriage is a friendship that turned into love. Do not lose sight of this special relationship.

Before you get married abstain now if you have had relations and do not live together. Also do not leave your parents house and get married. At least have your own apartment,condo,or home by yourself for at least a year. Get to know you and your habits. Really see how you live and you may even want to journal. Be honest with each other before you marry and make a list of your pet peeves your likes and dislikes and your wants and needs. This is real important so be as precise as you can. If that leaving up the toilet lid drives you crazy write it on the list. If you dislike hair or hair accessories all over the bathroom sink or counter write it on the list

If you don’t like doing the laundry or prefer doing it on certain days write it down. If you don’t like cleaning the house write it down. There’s a solution to every problem. If you prefer to eat out on the weekends and expect a hot meal 5 days a week write it down. If you don’t cook at all say so. Also if you don’t like to grocery shop or you limit it to two times a month write it down.

If you don’t like to be disturbed doing certain television shows write it down. Don’t pout if you feel neglected just say so. Remember none of us are mind readers. Encourage exercise and staying fit so weight problems won’t be focused on.

Make sure you both want children and discuss how you want them raised including schooling and religion. Write it down because it is very important. It is a preliminary discussion because as you have children things tend to change.

I’ve been through a marriage and a death of a grown son and I look back and realize life is truly important. You need a spouse that understands and respects you and doesn’t sweat the small stuff. However you also need a Godly spouse that won’t walk away or stray when someone in the family gets cancer, a terminal disease or dies. Do what you say you are going to do. Don’t start on any project and leave it undone. Pray, pray and pray some more. God Bless Your Marriage.