1. Preparing for Marriage

2. Introduction: One of the biggest social problems of our day is the break-up of families caused by the failure of marriages.

3. Introduction: One of the biggest social problems of our day is the break-up of families caused by the failure of marriages. The traditional institutions of family and marriage are rapidly losing their original value and importance.

4. Good marriages do not just happen. There is much preparation that is required and the best time to begin is now – before you get into a serious relationship with someone.

5. Why is it important to have families? What is the point of marriage?

6. I.“New” forms replacing marriage A.“Living together”

7. I.“New” forms replacing marriage A.“Living together” 1.It is, in reality, fraught with insecurities and disappointments.

8. I.“New” forms replacing marriage A.“Living together” 1.It is, in reality, fraught with insecurities and disappointments. 2.Breaking off a "live-in" relationship can be as painful as divorce.

9. Michael Newcomb, a hospital psychologist: “The emotional ties of those who live together are usually no different from those of a married couple. The problem is that those who are living together easily leave each other because of even the most insignificant things, as there is really nothing that ties them to one another: children, common property, official papers or the vows they made to one another in public on their wedding day.”

10. B.The man could leave or suggest abortion if the woman becomes pregnant.

11. C.Living together can be emotionally uncertain and can include assault.

12. D.The problems that occur in marriage also occur in a “live in" relationship, however, the advantages that accompany marriage do not.

13. E.Living together can kill romance.

14. D.The problems that occur in marriage also occur in a “live in" relationship, however, the advantages that accompany marriage do not. E.Living together can kill romance. F.Living together does not guarantee that marriage will go smoother.

15. G.It is very likely that couples who are living together will never get married. H.Even if they get married there is still a high risk of divorce.

16. II.Advantages of marriage

17. A.It provides a suitable environment for two people to develop their relationship.

18. II.Advantages of marriage A.It provides a suitable environment for two people to develop their relationship. B.Marriage is an institution that can insure safety for both partners.

19. C.The act of marriage assumes responsibility for the other person and expresses love, affection and commitment to remain faithful.

20. D.Marriage not only demonstates responsibility for one another, but also for their children.

21. III.What is the secret of a good marriage?

22. A.It is not in the spouse – it is in ourselves!

23. III.What is the secret of a good marriage? A.It is not in the spouse – it is in ourselves! B.The secret of a good marriage – three pillars

24. 1.“Leaving” – a healthy independence from parents

25. a.Finances

26. 1.“Leaving” – a healthy independence from parents a.Finances b.Provide for themselves

27. 1.“Leaving” – a healthy independence from parents a.Finances b.Provide for themselves c.Respect parents

28. 1.“Leaving” – a healthy independence from parents a.Finances b.Provide for themselves c.Respect parents d.Goals and make decisions

29. 2.“Cleaving” to each other

30. a.Strongly bound to, adhere to, or to remain faithful to

31. 2.“Cleaving” to each other a.Strongly bound to, adhere to, or to remain faithful to b.Not doubting the person, assuming the best

32. c.Conscious decision to fight for their relationship d.Treasure and value the relationship above all else

33. 3. Unity - “Becoming one”

34. a.Not just the sexual relationship

35. 3. Unity - “Becoming one” a.Not just the sexual relationship b.Achievement of emotional, intellectual and spiritual unity.

36. c.Communication is the key!

37. 1.Open and honest communication - transparency

38. c.Communication is the key! 1.Open and honest communication - transparency 2.“Strong” people – the myth

39. c.Communication is the key! 1.Open and honest communication - transparency 2.“Strong” people – the myth 3.Practice makes perfect

40. Three pillars to a good marriage: LeavingCleaving Becoming one

41. IV.True love – three kinds of love

42. A."I will love you if…” – conditional love

43. IV.True love – three kinds of love A."I will love you if…” – conditional love 1.This kind of love has to be earned.

44. IV.True love – three kinds of love A."I will love you if…” – conditional love 1.This kind of love has to be earned. 2.Conditional statements either verbalized or implied

45. 3.This kind of conditional love almost always dies a slow death.

46. B.“I love you because…”

47. 3.This kind of conditional love almost always dies a slow death. B.“I love you because…” 1.Love is based on some condition or character quality

48. 3.This kind of conditional love almost always dies a slow death. B.“I love you because…” 1.Love is based on some condition or character quality 2.Some actual or implied statements

49. 3.This kind of love leads to fear and insecurity

50. C. “I love you, period!” – Love without conditions

51. 3.This kind of love leads to fear and insecurity C. “I love you, period!” – Love without conditions 1.This kind of love is not “blind.”

52. 3.This kind of love leads to fear and insecurity C. “I love you, period!” – Love without conditions 1.This kind of love is not “blind.” 2.Can only be experienced by content and fulfilled people

53. 3.This kind of love is "giving" love.

54. 4.This kind of love motivates the other person to change.

55. V.Three characteristics of unconditional love

56. A.Grace

57. V.Three characteristics of unconditional love A.Grace 1.Grace can be defined as “undeserved favor.”

58. V.Three characteristics of unconditional love A.Grace 1.Grace can be defined as “undeserved favor.” 2.It means we are ready to forgive and forget when appropriate.

59. B.Commitment

60. 1.Commitment originates from the forgiveness and grace expressed towards our partner.

61. B.Commitment 1.Commitment originates from the forgiveness and grace expressed towards our partner. 2.Commitment goes beyond feelings.

62. 3.Commitment is what makes a relationship secure.

63. C.Acceptance

64. 3.Commitment is what makes a relationship secure. C.Acceptance 1.Acceptance ensures that both members of a couple can attain their maximum potential within the relationship.

65. 2.Love does not mean ignoring troubles, but facing and solving them.

66. 3.True love means, “I love you, PERIOD.”

67. VI.Creative courting

68. A.Definition: “a growing, potentially romantic relationship between a man and a woman in which the needs of the other person are put above their own.”

69. B.How to choose the right person.

70. 1. Appearance

71. B.How to choose the right person. 1. Appearance 2.Personality

72. B.How to choose the right person. 1. Appearance 2.Personality 3. Popularity

73. B.How to choose the right person. 1. Appearance 2.Personality 3. Popularity Where is character?

74. C.Positive attributes of love

75. 1.Love is much more than a feeling, it is a choice.

76. C.Positive attributes of love 1.Love is much more than a feeling, it is a choice. 2.Joy is internal happiness that is independent of circumstances.

77. C.Positive attributes of love 1.Love is much more than a feeling, it is a choice. 2.Joy is internal happiness that is independent of circumstances. 3.Peace is an internal calmness and security.

78. 4.Patience is waiting with endurance for the right time.

79. 5. Kindness involves taking the time to care about the needs of others.

80. 4.Patience is waiting with endurance for the right time. 5. Kindness involves taking the time to care about the needs of others. 6. Goodness is doing thoughtful things without ulterior motives.

81. 7.Faithfulness can be described as steadfastness or keeping your word, no matter what the cost.

82. 8.Gentleness consists of interacting with people in a sensitive and caring manner.

83. 9. Self-control is an ability to determine what we will and will not do in spite of any internal or external pressure (including sexual desires) we might feel to the contrary.