Do You Want to Thrive in Your Marriage?

In a New York Times article published this week, married couples represent just 48 percent of American households in 2010, according to data made public Thursday and analyzed by the Brookings Institution. This was slightly less than in 2000, but far below the 78 percent of households occupied by married couples in 1950.

With this latest trend, we more than ever have to work harder and find support to ensure our marriages succeed.

Successful couples realize that good, skill-based marriage education can reduce the risk of divorce by up to 30 percent and lead to a significantly happier marriage. It can also reduce the stress marriages endure over time due the daily grind of life. Just a little effort now can make your odds a whole lot better over the long run. There are several assumptions and limiting beliefs out there in regard to involving a coach in my marriage. They are:

• I can't afford it.
• Our issues will eventually improve on its own.
• A Marriage Coach will only make things worse.

These kind of beliefs hold couples back from empowering themselves to get the help they need, until the marriage collapses under the weight of unresolved pain and/or resentment.

So, how can you tell if you need help? Take this quiz. And be honest with yourself. I scored a 78.

On the scale of 1 to 10, rate each of the following statements (if not applicable, score the item a 5).

1     2        3          4          5          6          7          8          9          10

Not at all agree          Somewhat agree                 Totally agree

1.I/We have established concrete goals on the type of marriage we want?               

2.I/We have established distinct roles on how we will manage our household?              

3. I/We know what temperament type my future spouse is?                                       

4.I/We know each other’s credit status and have a mutual financial plan?                       

5.I/We have a clearly stated and understandable Family Vision statement?           

6.I/We are clear on how many children we want and how we will raise them? 

7.I/We are clear on how spirituality will play a role in our marriage?        

8.I/We are comfortable with my/our wants and needs in regards to sex?                                     

9.I/We understand each other’s communication style and how we handle conflict?                    

10.I/We can benefit from having someone GPS's out our plan and help us stay on track?            

SCORE                          ______

Here are results based on your scoresheet. Let me know how you scored!

Under 40 (Danger! You need a Marriage Coach)

You need a coach right now! You are willing to do whatever it takes to create the life and marriage you deserve and desire.  Set up an appointment immediately to receive
one-on-one coaching by contacting Keith Dent, Certified Empowerment Coach at
strive2succeed@comcast.net.

41 to 80(You are in need of a Marriage Renovation)

Coaching could help you look at your marriage from a different viewpoint, as well as help you develop a plan how you would like it to look in the future. You should decide and commit to taking action for the  benefit, your spouse and your children or future children. Contact Keith Dent, Certified Empowerment Coach at strive2succeed@comcast.net. Ask about one-on-one coaching or purchase Strive 2 Succeed in Marriage CD.

Over 80 –Congratulations! You are Thriving in Your Marriage.

Meet your Coach: For the past seven years Coach Keith has developed specific programs around improving relationships which include workshops, conferences and one-on-one sessions.