Marriage Compatibility
Working through the questions of marriage compatibility as early as possible is one of the wisest things you could do. Of course you should be thinking about these things while you're engaged, but I would challenge you to begin even while you're just dating someone. If there's no way that you and your boyfriend or girlfriend are compatible for marriage, then why would you waste your time (and theirs) dating each other? Why not spend your time looking for someone and dating someone with whom you actually have real marriage compatibility? Below are some of the things to consider:
Marriage Compatibility Question #1: Religion
Do you have the same faith or religious beliefs? I've heard many people answer this question with a "No," and then quickly add, "But he/she respects my beliefs and supports me in them." That's nice, but it will only get you so far.If you deeply believe in something, and if it's hugely important to you, then it should be something that can be shared with your husband/wife, so that you can grow together. I'm not saying it can't work if you don't share this, but it definitely makes things a lot harder and less pleasant than what they could be. And believe me, you don't want "hard" and "less pleasant," do you? Aim high when choosing who you'll marry... remember, it's for life! If you have answered this question with a "yes," then also ask yourself if you and your bf/gf are equally committed to your beliefs. For example, if you are both Christians, do you BOTH agree on going to church every week, and living your life according to God's instructions in the Bible? Practically speaking, are you both committed to Christian values like reading your Bible and praying regularly, seeking God's will for your life, not cheating on your taxes, not cheating on each other, not getting drunk, etc? If not, really re-think your partner's level of commitment!
Marriage Compatibility Question #2: Family Background
The more similarly you were raised, the easier a time you will have in the day-to-day happenings of your marriage. For example, Andrew and I were both raised in homes with high morals and standards where education, learning musical instruments, being active, and eating healthily were valued (and that's just part of the list... scary, I know :)!). I know that sounds a bit corny, but it's incredible how many things we see eye-to-eye on as a result of being raised like this. Before meeting Andrew, I dated a couple other guys who were raised SO differently from the way I was, and in just a few months of dating them, I could already see potential issues that might come up as as result. I'm not saying that if you and your bf/gf/fiance have been raised really differently from each other that your marriage is bound to fail as a result; just that the more similarly you've been raised, the easier a time you'll have in your marriage!
Marriage Compatibility Question #3: Age
Being within 10 years of each others' age definitely helps. Otherwise you run the risk of one of you seeming "too young" or "too old" for the other one.
Marriage Compatibility Question #4: Interests
Do you have many similar interests? This is a huge help if you plan to spend the rest of your lives together! In Andrew's and my case, we are both into playing music, traveling, keeping fit, going to the beach, etc. This helps us connect really well because the time we spend doing these things is time spent together.
Go to Marriage Compatibility Questions Part 2
Go to Free Marriage Compatibility TEST
Go to Questions to Ask BEFORE Marriage
Return to Newlyweds Homepage
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave a comment in the box below.
|