One really helpful thing for us that has come out of this six weeks of lock-down has been the light that has been shone on our marriage during this time.  Alex and I have been blessed with a very happy marriage and we bumble along very well most of the time, which is amazing given how much of our lives we spend together and do together.  However, even we are not used to spending every hour of every day together and this time has been very interesting.  It has highlighted some bad habits as well as areas where we take each other for granted.  At first this stressed us out a bit, but gradually we have been able to have the conversations we needed to have and we are trying to make some small changes.  As for all of us, our marriage is a work in progress!

So ahead of Marriage Week 2020 (11th – 17th May) I thought I would post some information on how we might strengthen our marriages or significant relationships.

This week, a friend of ours, Harry Benson, who runs Marriage Foundation, has just published a new book called “Commit or Quit!”.  Don’t be alarmed by the title – it is primarily aimed at people who are not yet committed to the long term relationship they are in, but it is also full of helpful tips for those of us who are in long term committed relationships, whether married or living together.

Harry has written a number of helpful books on family life.  Another really helpful one is “What Mums Want and What Dads Need to Know!”  Do take a look at the Marriage Foundation website which is a fantastic resource for all things about marriage, living together and family life.  You can see the link below as well as other helpful resources.

You will remember James and Julia Wright running The Marriage Course in the parish this Spring, which was a wonderful time for couples to strengthen their marriages.  They had couples attend who were about to get married as well as couples who had been married for 30 years.  It is the most incredible course and I just wanted to remind anyone who is interested that you can now do the course online in the comfort of your own home. 

Marriage Week 2020 – marriage-week.org.uk

Marriage Foundation – marriage foundation.org.uk

The Marriage Course On-line – htb.org/marriage

Keep well, stay safe and may all your relationships be blessed in some special way during this time.

Lucy Pease