Marriage Resources
When the wedding-day celebrations end and the honeymoon draws to a close, all couples inevitably face the reality of life together-for better or for worse. Use these recommended sources to find out what a marriage entails from a practical point of view. Learn about your financial and legal rights as a spouse, and find online group support. This guide also provides resources for military spouses. Finally, if you are in need of some external help, you'll find directories to marriage counseling services as well.
If you and your partner are considering marriage, there are some worthwhile resources to look into before you take the next step. The Web sites provided in this section illuminate some of the issues that accompany marriage and offer information that can help you feel confident in your decision. Be as educated as possible on the prospect of getting married by exploring some of these online resources.
- The New York Times printed this article in 2006, which details some of the issues that are worth discussing with your companion before tying the knot.
- Many of the resources for this section of the guide are geared toward women. Don't be put off by the pink color schemes or curlicue designs on some of these sites-many have advice and information that can serve both sexes.
For general resources ...
Smart Marriages
is a "coalition for marriage, family, and couples education." Books, articles, and marriage legislation issues are covered, along with lighthearted discussions on topics like "What is it with men and commitment?" and serious discussions on topics such as "The number one predictor of divorce." This is a balanced source for researching marriage-full of pithy articles and practical resources.
The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center
seeks to fortify communities by strengthening marriages. Look for background information and research detailing common essentials to building a healthy marriage. This site encourages the establishment of healthy marriage resources in local communities and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The BBC
hosts a "Lifestyle" section that links to articles discussing reasons for marriage, fears and expectations associated with the union, and common newlywed experiences. If you are still unsure, read the "Questions to ask before marriage" article for a list of basic nuptial priorities. The "Bad reasons to marry" link is also a useful list.
For women specifically ...
iVillage
has many articles discussing the joys and pitfalls of marriage. You'll be able to read about marriage issues like money, intimacy, communication, and even divorce. Browse through this site to read real people's marriage stories.
Ladies' Home Journal
has an online version of its magazine with many articles that offer practical advice on getting married and sustaining a healthy nuptial relationship. Read advice in an easy-to-follow format on how to manage your finances, keep romance alive, and communicate openly, for example.
Efficient money management is a key element to any successful marriage: one of the best ways to ... read more »
Marriage is a legal union as much as a romantic or spiritual one, so it's important to know how ... read more »
Forums and blogs are valuable sources for information on what other couples are doing: read about ... read more »
Whether you are having marriage troubles or just want to strengthen communication skills with your ... read more »
Military spouses are in a unique position and have a particular set of issues in sustaining a ... read more »
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