[mlmr]

But living together is a lot different from the courtship before, and as the divorce rate shows,

The divorce rate shows that people who live together before marriage have significantly higher divorce rates than those who do not live together.

[SpringheelJack]

The divorce rate shows that people who live together before marriage have significantly higher divorce rates than those who do not live together.

Every demographic has a high divorce rate. My parents never divorced, because they were that conservative, but after getting to know each other they found out they hated each other. I want to do what I can to avoid that situation. I don't think any group, religious conservatives included, has solved marriage. I wish everyone luck in trying.

[eastforker]

1st step , dating:Infatuation

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2nd step , engagement: Infatuation

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3rd step , marriage: still infatuated

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4th step , all about me syndrome: still attracted but now looking at others.

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5th step , my way or the hiway: you will do as I say and like it.

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6th step , sharing: It's your turn to take out the garbage/do laundry/housework, etc.

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7th step, being sorry: I am so sorry I was such an AH, Please forgive me.

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Eight and nine is turning point.

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8th step, making decisions: You damn right you better be sorry or I am leaving , don't you ever do that again or I am out of here. or

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9th step, making decisions: I am sorry too honey, lets never argue again.

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By this time it is time to take the final 10th step, decision making: either never argue again or apologize and argue the rest of your lives.