From Sheri & Bob Stritof,
Your Guide to Marriage.
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We were on a panel discussing marriage education and the Internet at the 2001 Smart Marriages, Happy Families Conference in Orlando, Florida.

We thoroughly enjoyed being there in the midst of so many people who believe in marriage and who are working on making marriage successful for others.

Although aimed at professionals, the Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education has designed their annual conference so that anyone interested in learning marriage skills will find it interesting and helpful.

Everyone who attends the conference should be able to walk away with information on how to enhance their marriage education work or discover a new way to improve their own marital relationship.

Along with the workshop presentations, an exhibit area provids attendees with the opportunity to look at new educational materials, programs and books and to talk with the authors. Book signing events are also scheduled throughout the conference.

You can take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and information by purchasing audio or video tapes of the workshops. You can also order the cds, videos, and tapes after the conference. Some thoughts we gleaned from the 2001 conference:

• Although a couple's sex life can energize their marriage, it is not a major proponent of their relationship until it becomes a problem.

• A divorce is most likely during the 1st three years of marriage or 3 months before or after the birth of a baby.

• Couples in distress need both marriage education and therapy.

• Some couples will be happier and more stable without children.

• It is important that couples are able to accept non-perfection in their sexual relationship. Hollywood sex and some books about sex have intimidated some folks and damaged some marital relationships due to unrealistic expectations about sex. It is ok to have mediocre sex now and then.

• Partners in a marriage relationship should not feel coerced. They should only do what they are comfortable with.

• Love is not a good predictor of the stability and happiness in a marriage. 80% of couples who divorce still love one another.

• Pre-marital education needs to discuss infidelity including the types of affairs and vulnerability.

• Some experts believe in the 24 hour rule. If there is a sexual incident, it needs to be talked about within 24 hours. A non-secretive approach helps lessen the devastating impact of secrecy.

• Couples need to spend more time together by scheduling a block of time for each other on a regular basis.