The Foundamentals

There are so many books, articles, and websites that share what they believe to help couples have a more successful marriage. I, myself, am not married so I do not have any personal experience, but I have read a lot and learn much advice from those around me and from what I have read. I want to start by quoting President Spencer W. Kimball. He said." While marriage is difficult, and discordant, and frustrated marriages are common, yet real. lasting happiness is possible, and marriage can be more an exultant ecstasy than the human mind can conceive. This is within the reach of every couple, every person." I LOVE this quote. President Kimball doesn't say that if your marriage is hard or has problems, than it is an issue. No, he says that marriage will be difficult and there will be problems, but there will also be so much happiness, more than we can even comprehend.

Marriages that last have strong commitment between the husband and wife. This may seem like an obvious concept, but many couples struggle with this. Many people go into marriage naive and do realize they frustrations and problems that will eventually come. This frustrations and problems that come will test your commitment and make you either turn away or turn towards each other. When trouble comes to couples who are in a covenant marriage, they work through their problems and give each other 100%.

Husbands and wives have a duty to love and care for each other. A husband and wife should be able to rely on their partner when they are struggling and going through difficult times. President Ezra Taft Benson said," To my knowledge there is only one other thing in all scripture that we are commanded to  love with all our hearts and that is God Himself. Think what that means!"God wants us to love our partner with all our might because He knows how sacred and important marriage is on this earth and thereafter. When there is a deep love and respect for your partner, there is a deeper understanding of ones feelings and overall more patience.  A happy marriage is founded upon friendship. You need to be able to enjoy each other's company and have that foundation of a friendship to be able to build upon on it. Once you have that friendship, than the romance can come in and help further and progress the relationship.