Premarital Counselling: Why You Need It!

 

Are you wondering if you and your fiancé are compatible? Today, it’s not uncommon to have a whirlwind romance, get engaged, tie the knot, have children, and then get divorced. Yes, divorce has become quite common today. Statistics by Stats SA have revealed that 51,1% of divorces are filed by women, 55% of divorces involve children less than 18 years old, and about 44,4% of divorces come from marriages that are less than ten years old.

 

Marriage is a sacred vow. It is a big commitment that is supposed to be for life. Unfortunately, when most young couples get engaged, they live in the moment with each other, forgetting about finances and real life-shaping decisions. The reality is that many couples say their “I dos” without even knowing who their partner really is or what their partner really wants out of life. Then, life brings change (after the honeymoon is over), and gradually things start to change between both partners – this is where things become unpleasant.

 

Given the staggering divorce rates, one of the best things you can do to help save your marriage before it begins is to enter premarital counselling. Whether you’re about to get married, have been married for five years or fewer, or are about to take the big leap and move in together, here’s how premarital counselling can benefit your relationship or marriage.

 

Communication Is the Cornerstone for a Healthy Relationship

 

One of the most important aspects of any marriage is to be able to openly communicate with one another. Premarital counselling will help you to be a good listener, so you know what your partner wants and needs. As you sit with one another and your premarital counsellor, you will both learn to talk about your fears, expectations, values, beliefs, needs, problems, dreams, and desires. You will learn how to honestly communicate them to your partner without fear of judgement or ridicule. The entire experience can further bond the two of you together.

 

You Gain Counsellor Wisdom

 

Let’s face it, when we’re in love, we don’t think about all the things we might face when we get married, which is why it’s always a good idea to sit with a professional who understands marriage, who can bring up topics that are relevant to beginning a life together, and who can analyse and recognise any contentious points of difference. Premarital counselling brings two different individuals together and puts them on a common platform before they prepare the base of their future. A premarital counsellor will give you the right platform to share your views, talk, and get things out in the open. In the end, couples have a more in-depth understanding of each other and will feel like they are starting their life and marriage on the same page.

 

Premarital counselling is better than post-marital misunderstandings and divorce. Clarifying expectations before entering a marriage is well worth the investment. To learn more or to arrange a consultation with a premarital counsellor in Pretoria, contact Dr Tienie Maritz today.