By Dr. Reba Haley
According to the National Center for Health Services, 54 percent of divorced women remarry within five years. Also, in the U.S. over 50 percent of first marriages end up in divorce and 60-80% of remarriages end up in divorce.
Sadly, most people who have been divorced end up remarrying without realizing they are not ready to get remarried. It is a travesty that individuals choose to get remarried and make vows only to end in divorce again. Marriage skills are needed to help couples have a long lasting and happy marriage and relationship.
How can a person have a stable and long lasting relationship and marriage? First, identify life stressors and resolve conflicts quickly. Life is full of stressors. Partners and couples desiring to keep their and relationship together must forgive each other daily.
Second, commit to similar life style choices such as eating healthy and exercising together.
Third, find a church that challenges you both to grow spiritually and meets your family’s needs.
Lastly, communicate and share your thoughts and feelings in the spirit of love with your partner. In counseling couples are encouraged to pray together and have weekly family bible study.
Honestly, a relationship or marriage can never be long-lasting without forgiveness. If couples forgive one another and find new ways to problem solve to have a better and long lasting relationship.
Remember marriage goes through the honeymoon, disillusionment and commitment stages. Long-lasting marriages are built on friendship. Each individual ought to become emotionally, spiritually and psychologically healthy to have a stable and happy marriage.
Evangelist, Dr. Reba Haley, is the author of The Covenant Connection Your Best Marriage Now. You can speak to Dr. Reba at Covenant Family Church, located at 6321 U.S. Hwy. 301 in Riverview every Sunday at 10 a.m. or visit her Website at www.rebahaley.com.
