Premarital (before engagement)
We have our last of 9 weeks of premarital classes on Tuesday and I’m so sad it’s over. This group has been so amazing from the curriculum to the 3 other couples and most of all our sweet leaders. It’s truly been amazing and I would highly recommend it to anyone (shoot me an e-mail for details). We’ve gotten asked a few times why we signed up for a premarital class before we’re engaged. Fair question.
We are committed to setting ourselves up for success. I think that’s the short version. We want to have the strongest foundation we can have and all the tools we need to succeed in our relationship. I’m a realist. We will go through tough times, fights, etc and I’m cool with that but I want to know that we’ve done what we can and will know how to get through whatever comes our way in a loving and healthy way. So I asked Blake a few months ago if I could sign us up. I think he was a little less excited in the beginning than I was but honestly we’ve both loved it and looked forward to it each week.
The class has exceeded all my expectations. We took an assessment before class (separately, without talking about it). Each week they’ve given us results and comparisons from that which show where we are similar and where our differences lie. I’ve loved the consistent reminders that just because our backgrounds and families may be difference doesn’t mean we aren’t completely compatible. Finding Blake has been the most amazing gift and now getting to grow and learn not just about ourselves and each other but about US together has been the sweetest.
I’m getting sad just writing about this time coming to an end as I wrack my brain for other ways we can continue on this journey to prepare for our lives together. If you’re seriously dating or engaged I highly highly recommend plugging into a premarital group. This is my first one but from what I hear this is frequently done with just the couple and whoever is marrying them. I’m not down on that idea AT ALL but I will say having a 9 week course with 3 other couples and a couple leading has been amazing. I really can’t imagine a better setup. So figure out your options and what you’re both comfortable with but definitely find a premarital group that will ask hard questions, give solid advice, and encourage you along the way.
After my post about our one year celebration I got some really sweet e-mails - I love to hear from you. I started this blog for me because we have some really big dreams we want to accomplish in the next few years and I want a place to keep them (in addition to the book I’m working on writing) BUT I hope that whoever finds this, follows, and reads our journey will feel included and involved as well.
