what would you consider the major reasons for staying married?
101686
I would say if you have happiness in the relationship. In order for you to want to stay married you must above all love the person you are with. Just saying the vows is not enough anymore! In order for those vows to mean anything you must understand them before saying them or else you just wasted your time. I would sit back and think about the things that you have done as a couple and that make you both happy. Although s/he might not always agree compromise is the second step. \n\nIf you want that person then you will love them and be happy amongst the worst of all things. You must first appreciate them and want them around. I know at times that person can drive you crazy and you might ant to leave and just say "I wish I never met you" to that person but regardless of what just transpired to cause that thought you must remember that sugarcoating it won't help. If you say your sorry and make up (which all couples enjoy more than the fight) you must mean it and not just say it because of the moment.\n\nIf things are bad now they will get better and if they don't then communication is something that needs to be open and the people must be unafraid of what they may say. The talker and the listener must try to be understanding.\n\nSo to answer your question, Communication is the first step, getting to know that person and liking them for who they are is the second step, third is happiness, fourth is compromise, and fifth is love. I hope that helps.
424207
Well it about 1000 times better than life before marriage.  I've been married for 26 years and I would NEVER go back to dating.  It is so nice to have someone who is always there to tickle you back or lie next to you on the couch and watch a movie.  Someone that you can drive a hundred miles with in the car and you don't need to feel the need to talk if you don't want to.  Someone to share private jokes with and develop non-verbal signals for any number of things.  And to know they will be faithful to you just as you are faithful to them.  There is nothing on earth as nice as being married.  You simply have to learn to do two things:\n\n1.  Say I'm sorry\n\nfollowed by\n\n2.  I love you\n\n\nCouples that can do this stay married for the rest of their lives.\n\nImmature couples that cannot bring themselves to do this get divorced over and over and over and never understand what marriage is even about.
1163406
Agree with machelle. This is true love, from the wife -- unconditional, but probably also for the financial security, social acceptance, for the kids etc. All very good reasons to stick together. Plus probably a deep understanding of who he is. He won't leave her because that depth of guilt generates such a huge debt of gratitude. As long as he treats her with reasonable respect and dignity, she will stay, and as long as she is reasonably tolerant, he will stay.
1097435
If you and your spouse are willing to put in the hard work it takes to make a marriage last then it will last.  The biggest tests of the strength of a marriage are children, buying a home, toughing it out when finances are thin, etc.  If you can stand by each other and work together instead of against each other in those situations then you are doing great.  Also the ability to compromise and give in sometimes.
757871
I've been married for 34 years and overall, it's been great.  \n\nI think it's important to know someone before you marry them.  I dated my husband for over 4 years before we married so I knew what kind of person he was.\n\nIt's important to have a relationship built on love and respect.  Communication is a big part of any relationship and I think it helps if you have a good sense of "humor"!\n\nMaintaining a good marriage takes commitment, hard work and you need to be able to "negotiate".  The benefits to both partners (and your family) are priceless.  Having that "safe place" in the world is the best feeling you can have!\n\nJust my opinion, I'm sure everyone has their own.  Good luck.
1152402
You mature together so things definetly do change.  People grow and change.  The question is-will you still love the person they have become?  That's what keeps the marriage strong.
860820
My wife.  Reasons, from most important to least:\n1 - My commitment to her.  \n2 - My commitment to her.\n3 - My commitment to her.\n4 - Love.
66590
In my experience, NO...I wasted two more years of my life "trying" to stay married.  Good luck!
1105819
If done right, it's a commitment to love and honor and be with each other for life....If it's done wrong, then it's hell on earth and the end of freedom and all those other vile things said.   \n\nI would strongly recommend you think very long, very hard, and having serious potential uncomfortable conversations with your s.o. before considering the commitment of marriage.
460654
I dont think there is a real explination for making a marriage work forever, unless you are an angel or something... Just love, and stay true to the other person and yourself.
1181409
You didn't say why you've asked ... \nSo, I'm assuming that you are wondering if you should stay in your marriage ...\nI think you'll probably find the help you need to weigh the pros & cons, in the following articles.  They've helped Lots of  folks (including myself), so I am confident in suggesting them to you:\n\nhttp://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2001/1/8/article_01.htm\nCan We Save Our Marriage?;\nhttp://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1999/7/15a/article_01.htm\nWholesome Communication - A Key to a Good Marriage;\nhttp://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2002/4/15/article_01.htm\nEmpathy--Key To Kindness and Compassion; \nhttp://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2005/6/1/article_01.htm\nWhen Marital Disagreements Arise;\nhttp://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2003/9/15/article_01.htm\nThe Bible Can Help You to Strengthen Your Marriage;\nhttp://www.watchtower.org/library/g/1999/4/22/article_01.htm\nWhen a Mate is Unfaithful :\n...Infidelity - Its Tragic Consequences \n...Is Reconciliation Possible? \n...The Option of Divorce \n...Why Some Stay Together \n...Who Is Responsible? \n...Children Do Not Deserve Divorce \n...Does God Hate All Divorce? ;\nhttp://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2004/5/8a/article_01.htm\nWhy View Marriage as Sacred? \n\nOf course you know that Every situation is different.\nNo one can decide for you, either way.  that's a very hard choice to have to make.  But I can say that everyone I know that have considered the Bible-based articles (above) & appleied what they learned, have been satisfied that they did their best ... whatever the outcome has been for them.  Even when they received no cooperation or support from their mate.\nhttps://watch002.securesites.net/contact/submit.htm\nTo Request More Information or a Free Home Bible Study.\nhttp://www.ebible.org/bible/ASV/index.htm\nThe American Standard Version of the Holy Bible
1084606
If you feel this will be an issue that can cause problems in a relationship, it would probably be a bad idea to stay together. I know you will have issues if you get married and have kids because you'll want to instill one set of beliefs in them, and he'll want another set of beliefs instead.
50206
My husband and I have been married for 29 and one half years.  Some years were great some not so great.  But we hung in there and are more in love today than when we married.  Best wishes.
37233
Wow. that is a tough one. It depends on your morals and beliefs. Is the marriage strong enough to handle the consequences? I once watched Dr. Phil and he said that is never a good idea. no matter who wants it or how long you've been married. What do you want? sometimes you have to stay true to yourself.
132893
Mine is working out. Being of European heritage and she from Finland probably helps because marriage has so many issues to work out as it is, but our has worked because we try to understand each other (and she is generally just a wonderful person.)
245441
You would be surprised at some of the reasons some people marry. But being able to tolerate them is a priority. \nStrange. LOL
977788
You get married because you love that person and you want to spend the rest of your life with them. You want to really love that person and you know you are meant to be with them. There is not a time limit on love. You just choose.