From Newlywed to Foreverwed: A Guide to Preparing for Your Marriage Like Planning for Your Wedding

Most couples spend a lot of time and money to have the perfect wedding. But do they invest wisely to have the perfect marriage? For most couples, the first two years of marriage are the most challenging as they adjust to the many changes brought about by tying the knot. An alarmingly high divorce rate speaks to the difficulties faced by newlyweds who want to remain foreverwed. While the many areas addressed by common pre-marital handbooks are important, From Newlywed to Foreverwed makes the case that giving one another the wedding gift that really matters - their strongest, healthiest selves - offers couples the best chance to weather the storms life brings them. In this thoughtful and entertaining book, Stacey Steck helps newlyweds recognize and respond effectively to the inevitable anxiety generated by the union of not only the bride and groom, but more importantly, of two great clans - their families. Questions at the end of the twenty-five short, engaging chapters lead couples into conversations about the families from which they come, and how to manage their emotions when the reasons most commonly cited for divorce, the Big Three of money, sex, and in-laws, intrude upon their bliss. Partners who know how to manage their anxiety, define themselves, and stay emotionally connected with others, can overcome any challenge. In addition to being an excellent resource for couples motivated to do everything they can to stay foreverwed, this book makes a wonderful gift for newly engaged couples who might be too busy planning the perfect wedding to shop for a book on planning the perfect marriage. It also makes a great companion to pre-marital preparation offered by religious organizations, especially those which emphasize a family systems approach to premarital counseling.