I, (bride/groom), take you (bride/groom) to be my lawfully wedded (husband/wife) for richer for poorer, and sickness and in health, to love, honor and cherish from this day forward, 'til death do we part. This is the traditional wedding vow. We have heard it so many times in the movies that we have memorized it. Now, before you actually walk down the aisle, is the time to think about it and be very sure that you'll say it and mean it. Many of us have experienced the sorrow of being in a family where a loved one's marriage has failed. We swear that our marriage will be different, that divorce will never happen. Here are some things to think about to help you be sure that it's time to say, "I do." Can you live with his habits? Things like does he pick his nose? Will you still want to be with him if his snoring keeps you awake every night? Can you stand the fact that he may only take a bath once a week if he feels like it? How about the way he eats? Think about your values. Look at the way you each feel about time, kids, family and work. If there's a conflict in schedule involving you and your future mother-in-law, which way would he go? Can you live with your differences? Can you come to a working compromise if you can't agree? They say love conquers all, and this may be true. It will help though if you go into it with your eyes truly open. The Beatle's sung it right: "Will you still need him, will you still love him when he's 64?" |
