Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married

Gary Chapman draws on more than 45 years of experience counseling couples to address a common problem: most people prepare more thoroughly for their careers than for marriage. Chapman argues that many marriages struggle because couples lack adequate preparation and fail to learn how to work together as intimate teammates. This book offers practical guidance and tips for developing a loving, supportive, and mutually beneficial marriage. Topics covered include establishing a strong foundation for marriage, understanding the roles of extended family, resolving disagreements without arguing, discussing money, sex, and household responsibilities, and learning to apologize and forgive. Designed for newly married couples and those considering marriage, the material encourages in-depth conversations about relational success. The book includes "Talking it Over" questions at the end of each chapter, book suggestions, an appendix on healthy dating relationships with a learning exercise, and access to an interactive website to enhance the couples' experience.