Advice for couples
Many of us make monthly insurance payments on a home and car. In case of a loss, we get partially reimbursed by the insurance company so that we can rebuild a wind-damaged home or fix a car with a fender-bender. We have some security knowing that repairs can be made.
But I don’t know of any such thing as relationship insurance. There is no guarantee that a crack in the foundation of a marriage or a relationship can be repaired. In marriage, it seems that the old adage applies, “You broke it, you bought it!”
In my daily counseling with couples, I often hear a common question: Is there a way that we can create a long, loving life with each other without going back to our old behaviors? That question I do know the answer to. You protect your relationship one day at a time.
Each day, make the relationship a priority. It is more precious than your house or car. It can shelter both of you and allow you to travel together on life’s journey. Surely it’s worth insuring each day with a relationship pact. The pact is much like an insurance policy.
Here is an example:
“I agree to keep my relationship as my utmost priority and
to work on it every day. I will not allow any cause to be a
reason to forget my agreement. It is my hope that my
everlasting love for you, along with this agreement, will
help us achieve a relationship that lasts a lifetime.”
You can use those words or create your own to convey a similar message, which is that you value each other. The purpose behind having a relationship pact is to put your intentions into words you both can use as an everyday guide. Of course, words are only the beginning. The action part is crucial. As with any goal, a marriage takes work every day. The steps to reach a lifetime marriage pave the way to your journey together.
When you value each other every day, your relationship can weather hard times and provide comfort in the storms. There are significant benefits:
1. You will grow old together and have companionship.
2. You will avoid divorce and loss.
3. You will be a role model for your children.
4. You will communicate with honesty and intimacy.
5. Your relationship will grow stronger.
We all take measures to protect what is important to us, such as our dwelling and auto. Daily relationship maintenance can also protect the longevity of marriage against the perils of damage. If your bond is valuable, and you want it to last, you need to be good to each other, every day.
