The Marriage Meeting Program is a simple, powerful tool that builds on your natural abilities to keep your relationship thriving. We all have room to grow, always, as individuals and as couples.
No matter how good your marriage is now, you and your partner can make it even better. Whether you are married, about to get married, or in a committed relationship, by implementing the recommendations in this step-by-step guide, you can create the long term relationship you’ve always wanted.
Weekly Marriage Meetings support the growth and vitality of both partners. By putting into practice these easy-to-follow instructions, you will gain more intimacy, romance and teamwork. You and your partner will deal more smoothly with the ups and downs of daily life.
The statistics about failed marriages and relationships are frightening. Can an ounce of prevention hurt? Marriage Meetings are a proactive solution for strengthening relationships.
Some of us grew up in families in which healthy communication was lacking.
Perhaps because my parents divorced when I was thirteen, as an adult I made it my business to learn everything I could about how to succeed in marriage. My husband and I are about to celebrate our 23rd anniversary. I give our weekly Marriage Meetings major credit for our happy marriage.
Before holding your first Marriage Meeting, read this short manual. By becoming familiar with its information and doing the exercises, you and your partner will prepare yourselves for successful meetings.
In case you are feeling uncertain about this program, you are not alone. As one initially reluctant husband reported, “When my wife suggested a meeting, I expected disaster, but I agreed to give it a try. I’m glad we did. Taking time to share our feelings and discuss our concerns every week nurtures our marriage.”
Another husband said that the meetings deal with marriage issues “directly, immediately, and in a positive environment.” He called the approach, “refreshing and sorely needed.”
In our fast-paced world you may hesitate before adding a new weekly routine that consumes up to 45 minutes. However, you can expect a high return on the small amount of time you invest in a Marriage Meeting for these reasons:
• Marriage Meetings prevent crises by addressing concerns regularly and proactively.
• The meetings promote closure, so issues are not left hanging.
• The direct approach prevents holding grudges.
• Ground rules for the meetings foster respect and courtesy.
• Marriage Meetings level the playing field for the less verbal partner.
• They encourage collaboration, a sense of “we’re in this together.”
• They foster love, teamwork, and romance.
• Marriage Meetings bring about smoother resolution of conflicts.
As you become accustomed to holding Marriage Meetings, most likely you will often be able to conduct them in less than 45 minutes. The meetings typically save you much more time than the minutes you invest in them. You may save money too, as a result of decisions you make together during a meeting. Tasks may be divided in better ways or even get eliminated. Better planning of leisure time will occur.
Your initial meetings may feel contrived. This is normal. Continue to hold them. As one wife said, “I’ve learned that it is better to communicate with intention than without intention.”
And now (drum roll), here’s the Marriage Meeting agenda: