Pre-Marital Fritz

Recently, people have asked about suggestions for premarital counseling. I know that sometimes we can get so wound up in the hoopla of planning our one special day that we forget to focus on the marriage and trust me great marriages don't just fall out of the sky. The commitment and time that it takes requires a lot of hard work.

Of course, when one decides to get married they think about forever. "I will be with this person forever." "I will wake up every morning next to this person forever." "I will have to deal with this person leaving a Hansel and Gretel trail of their socks all over the bedroom floor and leaving the dishes in the sink...forever." ;)

Being committed to one person for the rest of your life is a challenge. It is a GOOD challenge but it is a challenge. This is because you are two totally different people and personalities under one roof. No matter how much you may have in common and no matter how great you think your relationship may be there is always room for learning!

Most times your church or officiant may have a premarital program that you can enroll in.

Here are a few helpful websites, counselors and books that serve as excellent tools.

Website:
This website is one of my favorites! My friend and I visit often for helpful tips, articles, seminars and to improve our relationships with our husbands. I highly recommend this site.

Family Life
Offers conferences, seminars, resources and tools for healthy relationships and marriages.

Counselors:
If you live in the DC Metro Area, here are a few counselors that can help you with your premarital counseling sessions.

Joseph W James, Ph.D.
Washingon D.C. Area Psychologist

4400 East West HIghway

Suite 712

Bethesda, MD 20814

301.657.1144

Christine Alvarez, M.A.
16010 Annapolis Road
Bowie, MD 20715
Phone: 301-262-2270

Dr. Stephanie
Chrysalis for Families
14440 Cherry Lane Court
Suite 218
Laurel, MD 20707

Books:
And last but not least, some great reading materials.

Making Love Last Forever
by Gary Smalley

A Handbook for Engaged Couples: A Communication Tool for Those About to Be Married
by Alice Fryling and Robert Fryling

Before You Say "I Do": A Marriage Preparation Manual for Couples
by H. Norman Wright and Wes Roberts

Good luck and hope this helps!