In his talk “Oneness in Marriage” President Spencer W. Kimball gives sound advice about the importance of marriage. He also gives counsel on how to obtain and maintain a happy and healthy marriage. President Kimball speaks about the importance of choosing your marriage partner. He says:
“While marriage is difficult, and discordant and frustrated marriages are common, yet real, lasting happiness is possible, and marriage can be, more an exultant ecstasy than the human mind can conceive. This is within the reach of every couple, every person. ‘Soul mates’ are fiction and an illusion; and while every young man and young woman will seek with all diligence and prayerfulness to find a mate with whom life can be most compatible and beautiful, yet it is certain that almost any good man and any good woman can have happiness and a successful marriage if both are willing to pay the price.
There is a never-failing formula which will guarantee to every couple a happy and eternal marriage; but like all formulas, the principal ingredients must not be left out, reduced, or limited. The selection before courting and then the continued courting after the marriage process are equally important, but not more important than the marriage itself, the success of which depends upon the two individuals—not upon one, but upon two.”
President Kimball then goes on to outline the steps each couple needs to take in order to have a successful marriage. The first step is choosing a person who you are compatible with and then going to the temple to married for time and eternity. The second step is to become unselfish. If you can put the needs of your spouse before your own, and your spouse does the same then the union will be a happy one. The third step is to continue the courting process. This will keep the relationship alive and growing. The fourth step is to live the commandments of God. As you do what is right you will be happier with your life and your marriage.
President Kimball gives additional counsel on the four steps listed above. This talk is excellent. It does point out that marriage may be difficult at time, but that as you strive to do live the four steps the bumps in the road are easier to go over. I hope that you will take the time to read this talk.