by Dawn Hawkins

Created on: March 23, 2009   Last Updated: September 17, 2010

There are people that jump quickly into marriage without giving a lot of thought to what marriage means. They simply know that if it doesn't work out, they can just as quickly end the marriage. It sounds easy and dry cut, but in the end, many people can be hurt along the way.

It is a shame that more people don't appreciate the promise that they make to stay with their husband/wife "til death do us part". This isn't just a line in your marriage vows. It's a promise you make to your partner that your marriage is forever. These words are far too often taken for granted. Here are some of the reason why you should take your vows seriously:

Promises Shouldn't Be Broken

You promise, not only to your spouse but everyone who is present at the ceremony that you will do certain things. This promise is usually given to God as well. Taking your vows means that you understand the concept of marriage. The main concept is to be true to the man/woman that stands directly in front of you. Breaking your vows leaves others to mistrust you and your ability to stand by your word.

No One Said It Would Be Easy

Life is hard at times. It doesn't matter if you go it alone or with someone else. Problems arise and they need to be dealt with. It is much easier to work things through. The end result is a lifelong love that proves the type of person you are. Walking away in the middle of a marriage is giving up on something that you once found wonderful and amazing. If you stick with it, you will see that amazing part of each other again. If you let it go, you will never get the chance to rediscover that magic.

Love Means Never Intentionally Harming

Whether you would mean to or not, leaving your marriage is hurting someone that you swore your love to. Love doesn't end simply because you have problems. True love is lasting love that gets through those rough bumps in the road. True love is the ability to get angry and still look at that person as though they were the only one. True love is that which stands the tests of illness and financial hardships. Be careful how you use the words "I love you". They mean more than just "I love you right now." When you take your marriage vows, it means "I love you now, I will love you forever."

Children

Through marriage often come children. Those children rely on their parents for everything in life. Being a good example is part of that. If you give up on your marriage you are showing your children that it is okay to break your promises. It suddenly becomes alright in their eyes to harm another human being. Showing your children that those vows are serious will help them take their seriously when the time comes. The husband/wife relationship should never be interchangeable as today's society tends to think that it is.

It all boils down to one thing. You should take the wedding vows very seriously before, during and after you have said them. Working through your problems is part of the process. Growing old together doesn't happen when you are willing to give up on it. It comes from strength of character and a willingness to get to the other end hand in hand.

It is okay to get angry and have fights. It's even okay to sometimes get a little bored. These are the things that make your relationship grow day by day. You can either water the plant or let it shrivel up and die. Watering it gives you the most beautiful plant imaginable.

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