sment. So where do you get accurate information and develop the skills necessary to prepare for marriage and make a wise choice? One good source is social science research. The purpose of this book is to give you some of the most important, basic information from social science research that will help you in the process of finding a suitable mate and preparing for marriage. Reading this book and thoughtfully completing the assessments and exercises herein will serve as your first scientific marital preparation. This book is limited to preparing for marriage and selecting a suitable partner. There are many other good books you can read after this one on how to maintain marital satisfaction after the wedding. NOBODY KNOWS WHAT WILL WORK: The myth: We know practically nothing about what predicts a happy marriage, so just take your chances.Fortunately, people who believe this myth are wrong! Although there is still much to learn about the premarital factors that predict happiness in marriage, my research on this subject and the RELATE questions in this book can tell you very much. This book helps fill the information gap in our society on what predicts a happy marriage. You may be used to consulting the physical sciences to make good choices-for example, you may read Consumer Reports for research on the top ten automobiles before buying one. In a sense, this book is a “social science” version of Consumer Reports on marriage preparation. It will inform you about marriage, marriage preparation, selecting a person to marry, and most important, assessing yourself and your relationship.The reality: We know many things about the predictors of marital satisfaction that can help you have a happier marriage. MOVING BEYOND THE MYTHS: WHAT WE KNOW: Now let’s turn to the subject of what we know. Chapter Two introduces you to the model I call the Marriage Triangle-three key premarital factors that pr...
