Ueber-loyal reader, Gadi, suggested after he read "Marriage Basics" that I compile a list of marriage advice similar to the Advice on Fatherhood.
It's a great idea...so if you want to share your advice on "what makes a successful marriage" or just "Advice on Marriage," go ahead and post a comment.
In the meantime, my dad sent the following from the list of most emailed articles in the NY Times.
He writes:
Even after 35 years, Mom and I have never discussed Number 7.
Questions Couples Should Ask (Or Wish They Had) Before Marrying
1) Have we discussed whether or not to have children, and if the answer is yes, who is going to be the primary care giver?
2) Do we have a clear idea of each other’s financial obligations and goals, and do our ideas about spending and saving mesh?
3) Have we discussed our expectations for how the household will be maintained, and are we in agreement on who will manage the chores?
4) Have we fully disclosed our health histories, both physical and mental?
5) Is my partner affectionate to the degree that I expect?
6) Can we comfortably and openly discuss our sexual needs, preferences and fears?
7) Will there be a television in the bedroom?
8) Do we truly listen to each other and fairly consider one another’s ideas and complaints?
9) Have we reached a clear understanding of each other’s spiritual beliefs and needs, and have we discussed when and how our children will be exposed to religious/moral education?
10) Do we like and respect each other’s friends?
11) Do we value and respect each other’s parents, and is either of us concerned about whether the parents will interfere with the relationship?
12) What does my family do that annoys you?
13) Are there some things that you and I are NOT prepared to give up in the marriage?
14) If one of us were to be offered a career opportunity in a location far from the other’s family, are we prepared to move?
15) Does each of us feel fully confident in the other’s commitment to the marriage and believe that the bond can survive whatever challenges we may face?
And my mom responded later:
I don’t think that is true. We once had a t.v. In the bedroom for a very short time. I, the NON-TV watcher liked it and you, the TV watcher, wanted it removed. It went.
Do you now remember this?
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