Bellwork Define all academic & content vocabulary for Chapter 29 from textbook Complete Academic & Content Vocabulary in Workbook on p203 on the same paper (answers only) Turn in to class drawer when finished

1.An engagement is a promise or intention to marry. The engagement period is a time to prepare for the wedding, but more importantly it is a time to prepare for the marriage. 2.Purposes of the engagement period: Learn about each other Develop teamwork Establish new relationships Seek advice

3. Couples need to know and be comfortable with each other’s life such as: family goals spending patterns cleanliness habits food preferences 4. Some experts say the engagement should last six to twelve months.

5. Couples also can use the engagement period to identify and deal with differences. They can then decide if the difference will enhance or weaken their relationship. EXAMPLES: Tia likes fast food. Scott is a vegetarian. Martha wants to have 2 children once she and Glen have secure jobs. Glen wants to have 4 children, beginning right away. Tanya wants to live in a small town and Barry likes the city. Marcus does not like to be around a large group of people and Tabitha loves to go to big parties.

6. It is usually easier to solve problems caused by differences before marriage, rather than after. When people deal with issues together, it strengthens the relationship and sets a pattern for the future. 7. Some couples think about living together before marriage. They may believe it is a good way to find out if they are truly compatible. Recent studies have shown that couples who try this are not as happy with their marriage as those who do not. They are also more likely to divorce.

8. As part of developing teamwork during the engagement, couples start to think “we” rather than “I” when setting goals, making plans, and solving problems. 9. Ways to use teamwork skills: Trust Communication Compromise

10. The engagement period is also a time for each partner to get to know and become comfortable around his or her future spouse’s family. 11. Some people get premarital counseling before their marriage, which is when couples get advice from trained professionals before marriage. Good premarital counseling will help couples focus on their reasons for marrying and allow them to address questions about their relationship.

12. About one-third of all engagements are broken before marriage. Even though a broken engagement is hard, it is not as difficult as a troubled marriage or a divorce. Marriage is meant to be a lifetime commitment, and should only happen when both partners know they can live happily with the decision.

Assignment On your own paper, complete workbook p198. (read the case study and answer the questions; write in complete sentences and you don’t have to write the questions) On the back of that paper, complete the following sentences: 1.Before I marry I will…. 2.To me, the most important thing in a potential marriage partner is…. 3.The one thing I could not tolerate in a spouse is…. 4.If I could formulate my perfect spouse I would describe them as….