Tip for married couples:
Say to your spouse, with conviction,
"You are the most important person in my life."

Thinking of getting married?
Check out the basics of the Sacrament of Matrimony, as well as a list of interpersonal skills that can help build a satisfying marriage.

Do you know what three qualities are essential
 to Christian marriage?
Unity of body, heart, and soul;
indissolubility, lifelong faithfulness;
openness to having children.

In the Sacrament of Matrimony,
a baptized man and a baptized woman
commit themselves totally to each other in Christ;
they vow to love and help each other as partners
 for their entire lives and to share this love with their children.  This partnership is a sacred covenant
that reflects the relationship that Christ has with the Church. 
The marriage covenant is a blessing and gift to the couple, as well as to their children, the Church, and to the whole world. It is a serious obligation, not to be taken lightly.
Catholics can never take the attitude that
 "we can always get a divorce, if it doesn't go well."
Catholics believe the Sacrament of Matrimony forms an indissoluble bond --
a bond that can never be broken.   
Real love, based in Christ is not temporary. 
Real love, based in Christ is permanent, joyful and powerful.

  Saint Paul wrote that real love
"bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
  Love never fails."
I Corinthians 13:7-8.

How are your interpersonal skills? 
Here are some questions engaged couples are often asked. 
Those who work on developing these skills will likely be headed toward satisfying friendships and, with time, a good marriage. 
You may want to jot down the skills you wish to work on.

► Am I a good listener?  How do I show this?
►How do I deal with criticism?
►Do I show respect for others in my speech,
 saying "please,"  "thank you," and pardon me"?
►Do I talk over problems with the person or persons directly involved?
►What is my reaction when my plans are upset for some reason?
►Have I learned to play with and watch over young children safely?
►Do I apologize when I've made a mistake or caused a problem?
►Do I spend money wisely?
►How do I treat the elderly persons I meet?
►What do I do when I am angry?  How do I solve the problem?
►Do I speak with adults respectfully and courteously?
►Do I give positive feedback?
►Do I affirm others and thank them when I am grateful for their help or support?
►Do I look for ways to help others when I can?
►If I have a serious problem or need, do I talk it over with an adult I can trust?