According to the Wall Street Journal, for the first time since the United States began tracking marriage, more U.S. citizens of prime marrying age have stayed single rather than opt to get married. Only a little over half (52%) are choosing marriage. The article goes on to say that as marriage rates have fallen, the number of individuals choosing to live together has skyrocketed. This is sad because the divorce rate is higher for couples who lived together previous to marriage. Marriage is quickly becoming less the norm across a variety of socioeconomic classes and religious beliefs.

We as a culture hold marriage in low esteem and have begun to consider other possibilities as acceptable. Even divorce is more mainstream, if not even celebrated. This does not bode well for our society as marriage is considered fundamental to the growth of a community.

It’s important that you understand why maintaining your marriage is not only critical for you and your family but for society as a whole.

Prescription: Commit to do whatever it takes to maintain a marriage for life.