Fortunately, there is a new book which can reduce those odds of failure for couples entering a second marriage with stepchildren. It is written in a workbook format, with brief chapters followed by questions, with space to write answers. Couples might use this resource by themselves or clergy might well require that the book be used as part of a premarital preparation program. When Pastor Dunn, who is himself in a second marriage, counsels couples marrying for the second time, he asks for a commitment to not even consider divorce for the first three years of marriage. Seldom do both feel the need at the same time.
All subsequent marriages are bourne out of grief.
This is a time for friendships, not romance. Loneliness is not a reason to remarry. People should never consider marrying until they have learned to be happy as individuals. Marrying in order to be happy is not only a bad idea, but it seldom works. Stretch out the courtship past the period of infatuation.