ABOUT MARRIAGE.doc

此文档收集于网络，如有侵权，请联系网站删除About MarriageBy Geoffrey WeedMarriage is a union between two or more individuals. While there may be many different forms of marriage, and certainly many different conceptions of it, all of them do fall into that basic definition. As time goes on, of course, the societal ideal of marriage will continue to constantly evolve.TypeThere are many different types of relationships that fall within the spectrum of marriage. While most Western societies have traditionally reserved marriage as a union between one man and one woman, other societies have long held different standards. Along with such monogamous heterosexual marriages, there are also polygamous marriages that involve multiple wives and one husband, and polyandrous marriages that involve numerous husbands and one wife. In recent times, as well, gay marriage is becoming recognized in some areas, a practice that recognizes a lifelong commitment of monogamy between two same-sex individuals.History ofThroughout recorded history the concept of marriage has always been prevalent. Marriage, in fact, seems to predate the historical record altogether. The Greeks and Romans both displayed forms of monogamous heterosexual marriage, with both cultures encouraging such unions largely because of the reproductive benefits for society as a whole. As Christianity began to take hold across Europe marriage began to take on a religious component that it previously had lacked. Today, marriage in much of the modern world still follows these basic historical trends of Western culture.GeographyMarriage is present as an institution in virtually every area of the globe, regardless of geography. From one place to another, however, the standards and guidelines of marriage do tend to vary significantly. For instance, polyandry (a marriage with one wife and multiple husbands) is almost unheard of in most places on Earth. In certain areas of Africa and South America, however, it is a relatively common practice, generally involving brothers marrying the same woman. Likewise, polygamy (a marriage with one husband and multiple wives) is rare and even illegal in many nations, but is commonly found in others.BenefitsThe benefits of entering into marriage are myriad and exist for both the individuals and for society. Those entering into a marriage receive many benefits for doing so. Marriage makes sexual relationships legitimate to the rest of society and also creates a coherent bond for reproductive behaviors. From a religious perspective, religion is often the ultimate goal and a show of ones devotion to a given religion. Marriage also provides fiscal benefits to the couple in most countries and allows a work-sharing relationship to save both partners time.Socially, marriage also provides benefits. Marriage tends to make for a more cohesive societal structure and it allows a society to replenish its numbers through reproduction. Marriage is also a means of society keeping tabs on its members and recognizing their adulthood in some instances.SignificanceThe significance of a marriage depends largely on the mindset of those individuals entering into it. Some marriages are entered into primarily for reasons of romantic attachment to the partner whereas others are entered into for fiscal, reproductive, or religious reasons. Also, as divorce rates remain at astronomical rates in many developed countries, many questions regarding the significance and sanctity of marriage seem apropos. Such questions can only be answered on an individual level, though.For many individuals marriage is a religious sacrament that is ordered and supported by God. Marriage is considered a holy sacrament by many Christians, and is considered an unbreakable commitment by many, particularly by Roman Catholics who view divorce as a sin.ConsiderationsMore and more questions are arising in modern day society as to the true nature of marriage. Gay marriage is a practice that is being legitimized in many regions but which remains controversial and illegal in many other places. The legality of gay marriage depends largely upon ones geographical location, but legality isnt the only important factor. Tolerance of gay marriage by not only the law, but by society as a whole, is a question that really remains unanswered and will continue to be a societal issue in the foreseeable future.How to Create a Successful MarriageCreate a Successful MarriageHow to Create a Successful Marriage. As with most good things, a long and satisfying marriage takes time and effort - on the part of both spouses. Your reward is happiness of the highest order.Things Youll NeedThank-you Greeting CardsFlowersBoxes Of ChocolatesShow (1) MoreInstructions1Cherish compatibility. Seek out the things that interest, please and delight both of you.2Respect and treasure your differences. Learn from one another. Appreciate and understand your spouses distinctive style, approach and personality - especially when it diverges from yours. Differences can often turn into delight.3Cultivate patience. Give your spouse enough time to reach a comfortable middle ground in his or her own way.4Learn how to be understanding, and develop the ability to see through your spouses eyes.5Share your feelings in regular talk sessions. A nice atmosphere in a good restaurant helps open the doors to intimacy and sharing. Really listen to your partner. Be sure to look directly into the eyes of your loved one.6Strive for a high ratio of positive to negative in comments and actions.7Allow time to pass when youre surprised by a disappointment. Solutions will become evident when there is patience. A good nights sleep will help additional insights to surface.8Resolve the inevitable differences in a way that strengthens and deepens your love. Strive to communicate your feelings without being aggressive or defensive. Listen to each other with an open mind and seek resolutions that you both can be happy with.9Learn to express thankfulness for the smallest things. This gratitude can be brief and must be genuine.How to Have a Successful MarriageHaving a successful marriage is part love, work and luck. Yes, luck. Here are some helpful hints to having a successful marriage.Instructions1Respect. There must be a mutual respect for each other. Many, many marriages fail because the couple no longer respects each other.2Friendship. You must first be friends before you can even think of marriage. Your spouse must be your best friend even if you already have a BFF since kindergarten. If you cant be friends, how can you even think of being lovers?3Fidelity. Some would probably even say this should be the first step, they may be right. Infidelity will crush your marriage into smithereens. Think long and hard before you cheat on your spouse. If you are thinking about cheating, please seek marriage counseling and get to the root of your problem, it may not be your spouse but YOU. Yes, some people are just born cheaters and thats just the way it is and always will be.4Intimacy. You and your spouse need intimacy to feel connected. I strongly suggest that you do not invite others into this area of your life. This includes gossip and swinging.5Honesty. Its very important to be honest with your spouse because you are a team. It is not fair for one of the members of your team to not know everything about the marriage when it comes to finances, where you were last night and a great many other things. You will save yourself a lot of grief if you keep truthful.6Sex. You should be having sex. A sexless marriage causes a lot of resentment. Youll see that if you arent in the mood and you go for it anyway, you are suddenly in the mood. Do it for your partner with a smile on your face. Dont make your partner feel unloved or unwanted.10 Things About Successful MarriagesBy Phil SilverwitzHealthy marriages are not easy to come by these days. According to a 2008 Barna Group report, one-third of adults who get married in America later experience at least one divorce. How can your marriage avoid a similar fate? Try focusing on things that most successful marriages have in common.Good CommunicationHealthy marriages rely on good communication. So if you have a specific need, tell your spouse what you want. But communication isnt a one-way street. In fact, listening to your partner may be the single most important thing you can do to maintain your relationship.Unconditional LoveNo matter what hardship your marriage may encounter, commit to loving each other no matter what. Its no magic potion, just good, old-fashioned commitment that can help sustain a marriage through thick and thin.SelflessnessOne thing about marriage is certain: sometimes you have to do things you dont like. Whether its visiting the in-laws or just taking out the trash, a little sacrifice goes a long way toward a successful marriage.IndependenceSome people get so absorbed in their marriages that they forget to be their own person. In your effort to have a successful marriage, dont neglect your own needs. You shouldnt be afraid to have your own hobbies, friends or opinions.Similar PrioritiesAlthough two partners dont have to agree on everything, successful marriages are often made up of people who have similar priorities. We naturally get along best with people who think like us. Its not any different in a marriage.HumorLaughing together is a great way to feel close to your spouse. Healthy marriages arent free of problems. But if you cant laugh about them together, you may be in trouble!HonestHonesty goes beyond just staying faithful. It also involves the little things. Did you promise to clean up the kitchen after supper or take out the dog before bed? Keep your promises for the little things, and you can be trusted with the big ones, too. Successful marriages rely on honesty.FidelityWhile some marriages do manage to survive an affair, it is hardly the mark of a successful marriage. This ones a no-brainer. If you said, I do, then stick with that decision. You wont regret it.ThoughtfulnessMany marriages fail, not because of infidelity, but because of a lack of sensitivity. Saying I love you or buying random gifts for your partner can help her see that you care.Healthy ArgumentsHealthy marriages are not necessarily conflict-free marriages. Dont always be afraid to have a good fight with your spouse, when necessary. If something needs to be discussed, then deal with it. Ignoring your problems and drifting away from each other is not the answer.How to Marry a ForeignerMarrying a foreigner could mean marrying someone of the same ethnicity or background but different citizenship, or marrying someone from a totally different culture and country of citizenship. If you are planning on marrying a foreigner, here are a few steps to guide you.Instructions1Finding a partner. If you are someone who is really interested in marrying someone of a totally different culture and country of citizenship, then you may want to venture on a trip to a foreign land. Although you could probably meet someone in your own country who came from a different country or culture, it is highly likely that there would still be some form of traveling involved. This is because there may be some situations or laws and ordinances-depending on the country of origin of your partner-that can only permit marriage if you travel to the foreign land. Also, if you are marrying someone with strict family and cultural upbringing, it may be necessary to ask for the parents blessings in person.2Since the Internet has played a major role through the years in bringing couples of different cultures together, you may want to consider signing up with a relationship website. Make sure that you check the sites before giving your personal information. Check with the Better Business Bureau as well as with references of former clients to find out if the site would be a good fit for you.3Get to know each other. Once you find the foreigner of your dreams, make it a point to learn more about her. If the foreigner is not physically where you are, you may start by learning about each other through letters, emails, chats and phone calls. When you think you are ready to make a commitment, travel to the country where your foreign partner lives to meet her personally as well as her family.4Learn the culture of your partner and see if you can live up to it and live with it. Interracial marriages are very common, but for one to be successful it is important to have an open mind and complete understanding of that culture so as not to have any misunderstanding down the road.5Immigration Laws. If you are from the United States trying to marry a foreigner, know that there are a lot of requirements you must meet. Go to the nearest immigration office near you or visit their website at to get more information. 6。If you are from another country other than the United States, check your local immigration laws about petitioning or marrying someone from a different country. It is important to get all the documentations and requirements ready before you tie the knot to ensure that you are not breaking any laws. Besides, you want to have a marriage that is legally binding, so you want to be sure you have all the Ts crossed and the Is dotted.7Be patient. It can take time to get all the requirements ready before your partner can join you. Prepare to be separated for a long time. Think of it as a true test of your relationship. If you can last being apart before all your paperwork is ready, your bond will be stronger, tried and tested. Then the more you will cherish each other when, finally, that day to be together comes.Tips & WarningsMarry for love and not just for convenience.Do not offer to marry a foreigner for money to help them legally stay. This is illegal and you can be prosecuted and your foreigner spouse can be deported if caught.How to Date in a Different CultureBy Jody WilberLearning how to date someone from a different culture can be a rewarding learning experience. A different culture does not always mean a different language, but often differing first languages can be the case. This is especially true if the person you wish to date is also