ABSTRACT
The two most important strategies for creating and maintaining a healthy marriage are setting aside couple time and developing understandings and agreements. In this chapter, we will guide you through communicating openly to arrive at shared understandings, both as a couple and as a family. Reaching agreements is a critical skill, especially for second marriages. People come to second marriages with a history of successes and disappointments. It is all too easy to force past solutions onto the new marriage. Some might fit, but most will not. Your spouse is a unique person. Be aware of how he or she approaches life, marriage, communication, and values.
