Real marriage comes long after the wedding, in the midst of actual day-to-day living. Marriage is put to the test when you have to actually put in work to keep those vows and cling to the love you had on that starry-eyed day.

 

The long-term success of a marriage depends heavily on how well couples make the adjustment during the first five years.  

John Gottman's research has discovered that even though all couples experience conflict in their marriages, happy couples apparently know how to handle their disagreements because of a foundation of affection and friendship. Unhappy couples do not have this skill set.

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You do not have to wait for crisis to see a marriage counselor.  It is wise to prepare yourselves and build a strong foundation that will give fulfillment as you celebrate your life together as couple.