Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married

Gary Chapman writes, "Most people spend far more time in preparation ^for their vocation than they do in preparation for marriage." No wonder the divorce ^rate hovers around fifty percent. Bestselling author and marriage counselor Gary ^Chapman hopes to change that with his newest book. Gary, with more than 35 years ^of experience counseling couples, believes that divorce is the lack of preparation ^for marriage and the failure to learn the skills of working together as intimate ^teammates.

So he put together this practical little book, packed with wisdom ^and tips that will help many develop the loving, supportive and mutually beneficial ^marriage men and women long for. It's the type of information Gary himself wished ^he had before he got married. The material lends itself to heart-felt discussions ^by dating or engaged couples. To jump-start the exchanges, each short chapter includes ^insightful "Talking it Over" questions and suggestions. And, the book includes information ^on interactive websites as well as books that will enhance the couples experience.




Dr. ^Chapman even includes a thought-provoking appendix. By understanding and balancing ^the five key aspects of life, dating couples can experience a healthy relationship. ^A revealing learning exercise is included at the end.



GARY CHAPMAN, PhD, is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling ^The 5 Love Languages. With over 30 years of counseling experience, he has ^the uncanny ability to hold a mirror up to human behavior, showing readers not just ^where they go wrong, but also how to grow and move forward. Dr. Chapman holds BA ^and MA degrees in anthropology from Wheaton College and Wake Forest University, ^respectively, MRE and PhD degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, ^and has completed postgraduate work at the University of North Carolina and Duke ^University. For more information visit his website at www.5lovelanguages.com.


1.  That being in love is not an adequate foundation for building ^a successful marriage


2.  That romantic love has two stages


3.  ^That the saying: "Like mother, like daughter" and "Like father, like son" is not ^myth


4.  How to solve disagreements without arguing


5.  That ^apologizing is a sign of strength


6.  That forgiveness is not a feeling


7.  ^That toilets are not self-cleaning


8.  That we needed a plan for handling ^our money


9.  That mutual sexual fulfillment is not automatic


10. ^That I was marrying into a family


11. That spirituality is not to be equated ^with "going to church"


12. That personality influences behavior


Epilogue


Appendix:  ^Developing a healthy dating relationship

"Most people spend far more time in preparation for their vocation than they do in preparation for marriage."


With more than 35 years of experience counseling couples, Gary has found that most marriages suffer due to a lack of preparation and a failure to learn to work together as intimate teammates.

So he put together this practical little book, packed with wisdom and tips that will help many develop the loving, supportive, and mutually beneficial marriage they envision, such as:

What the adequate foundation for a successful marriage truly is What to expect about the roles and influence of extended family How to solve disagreements without arguing How to talk through issues like money, sex, chores, and more Why couples must learn how to apologize and forgive
Ideal for newly married couples and those considering marriage, the material lends itself to heart-felt, revealing, and critical conversations for relational success.


Read this bookand you'll be prepared for-not surprised by-the challenges of marriage.


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Bonus features include:

Book suggestions and an interactive websites to enhance the couples' experience "Talking it Over" questions and suggestions to jumpstart conversations over each chapter Appendix on healthy dating relationships and an accompanying learning exercise

-Publisher