Before You Plan Your Wedding...Plan Your Marriage

This book had a lot of good information, especially for those in their first serious Christian relationship. As a 26-year old, who has gone through a couple of serious relationships (not as far as engagement), I found some of this information was nothing new or did not really pertain to me. The middle of the book focuses a lot of conflict-resolution. This material was not too helpful, as I haven't had an issue with this in my relationships and feel that the more mature Christian would have a better grasp on dealing with issues of personal conflict in a relationship. The most helpful parts of the book were the beginning and end. The beginning went over things that should be discussed in depth prior to marriage. The end (part 4: oneness), was insightful in its discussion of how other relationships will have to change (family and friends) once the couple is married.

My fiance and I have read this book and discussed each chapter. Overall, it is a great practical tool that helps spark conversations. It helped us realize more about ourselves and how we relate to each other. There are 2 downsides to this book. One, it could be much shorter. Some parts repeat themselves too much and could be tightened. Two, many of the stories the Smalleys tell are a little...cheesy. But, if a book can get you and your significant other to start opening up and talking about issues you haven't discussed before, it's done its job!

This is an excellent pre-marital tool. I have learned a lot and I highly recommend it to anyone considering marriage. It is a great counselor before the couselling. Our date is actually a little over a year into the future, but we both are of the mindset to have our heads as well as our hearts and spirits on straight before venturing into our life together. This books helps to outline as well as provide details of how to make rational decisions regarding the most important decision one can make in a lifetime. I caution everyone. Do not take your vows lightly. Count the cost before you start to build.

I just bought this book and read it and I love it. I'm engaged and this book really talks about relating to one's partner and how to properly communicate with one another. I liked how it talked about dealing with conflict in your relationship. In the book, they likened the fighting that couples do to a "dance", when couples fight, they push each other's buttons and get reactions that just go back and forth in a "dance". This book definitely made me think about how I deal with my relationship and how I fight with my fiance. Another point the book brought up is that you should never be against your partner in an argument, you need to remember you both are on the same side, going for the same goal (the argument being resolved!) This book made me think about how I treat my partner, I should treat him with respect because he is God's gift to me, not my enemy!! I really, really think this book should be read by everyone before they get married and divorce would be prevented a large amount of the time! I highly, highly recommend it!