Subsequent generations can build on that legacy, especially if they take the time to do their homework before they make a commitment to each other and a relationship. By the same token, couples whose parents have not had successful marriages are not doomed to failure. Family influence is ongoing. Couples generally remain connected to their extended families, so their lives can be influenced by family health issues, shared holidays and celebrations, family finance, a shared inheritance or division of assets. Family support, which includes accountability as well as encouragement, also can play a key role in adult children s relationships, especially during their early years of marriage.
Few couples can go through life without challenges.
Not only family, but friends, co-workers, and members of clubs and religious groups can offer critical support for couple relationships. It takes a sensitivity to know when and what ways someone in the community can help a couple. For example, a parent who has many evenings alone with the baby while a spouse is working might welcome a friendly phone call and an offer to play with the child, giving the parent a much-needed break. When family and community members recognize the need of one partner and respond in ways that are helpful, they ultimately are contributing to the well-being of the couple relationship. Even persons in a committed couple relationship have struggles in the individualistic culture in which we live, said Silliman.