Relationship experts tell us that there are five pillars which can support a healthy marriage, but not all marriages have all five pillars supporting them. Three pillars can make a monument that will last the ages, but if a relationship is missing a pillar and has three more that are weak, the one strong pillar may not be able to support the marriage through the ravages of time. During the honeymoon period when the weather is fair, the marriage stands tall but when stormy weather comes, when the winds start blowing and there’s been some erosion, the whole structure might come tumbling down.
Before people get married they should assess their pillars. Couples already married can shore up their pillars. People can make an effort to stay in shape and preserve the first pillar, they can write budgets and meet with financial advisors to shore up the second. They can agree to compromise on going out Saturday night. They can read books together. They can learn to accept the other’s spiritual journey.
Knowing that the pillars exist is the is first step.