Most people spend far more time in preparation for their vocation than they do in preparation for marriage. With more than 35 years of experience counseling couples, Gary has found that most marriages suffer due to a lack of preparation and a failure to learn to work together as intimate teammates. So he put together this practical little book, packed with wisdom and tips that will help many develop the loving, supportive, and mutually beneficial marriage they envision, such as: ulliWhat the adequate foundation for a successful marriage truly is/liliWhat to expect about the roles and influence of extended family/liliHow to solve disagreements without arguing/liliHow to talk through issues like money, sex, chores, and more/liliWhy couples must learn how to apologize and forgive/li/ulIdeal for newly married couples and those considering marriage, the material lends itself to heart-felt, revealing, and critical conversations for relational success.Read this book' 'and you ll be prepared for not surprised by the challenges of marriage.-'Bonus features include: 'ulli'Book suggestions and an interactive websites to enhance the couples experience'/lili' Talking it Over questions and suggestions to jumpstart conversations over each chapter'/lili'Appendix on healthy dating relationships and an accompanying learning exercise '/li/ul'