The Healthy Marriage Handbook
Keys to a Successful Marriage

Support for this handbook was provided by The Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention/ The Children’s Trust Fund • Center for Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University • Alabama Cooperative Extension System • The Family Assistance Division, Alabama Department of Human Resources Project Managers – Carol Whatley and Glenda Freeman, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Editor – Joanna Acorn Corley Graphic Design – Mary Ferguson Written and compiled by Francesca Adler-Baeder, Ph.D., CFLE Director, Center for Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, Extension Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Brian Higginbotham, Ph.D. Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Utah State University David Schramm, Ph.D. State Specialist, Assistant Professor, University of Missouri--Columbia Amber Paulk, M.S. Center for Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University Acknowledgments: We gratefully acknowledge our colleagues in other states who are working to build strong, healthy marriages in their communities and who were willing to support our efforts and share information and materials for this handbook. Most notably, portions of this handbook are adapted from “Marriage Matters: A Guide for Louisiana Couples” and “Raising Your Child Together: A Guide for Unmarried Parents” produced by the Louisiana Department of Social Services; “Intentional Harmony” by Angela Wiley, University of Illinois Extension, www.worklife.uiuc.edu; and from “Saying I Do: Consider the Possibilities” by James Marshall, Utah State University (www.utahmarriage.org). We also acknowledge the following individuals and organizations for their assistance and support: The Honorable Governor Bob Riley and Mrs. Patsy Riley Marian Loftin, Executive Director, and Paul Smelley, Deputy Director, Alabama Children’s Trust Fund Carol Gundlach, Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence Dana Reichert

Congratulations!

We hope that you will:

Save this handbook and look at it from time to time, especially when questions or difficult situations come up in your relationship.

Check out the publications, resources, and Web sites suggested in this handbook. They can provide additional information about topics in this guide.

Participate in premarital preparation before you marry or in marriage education programs at any time in your marriage. These programs teach valuable tips, skills, and attitudes that form the foundation for good relationships. Both men and women find these programs very helpful—and enjoyable!

Seek help for your marriage if you experience trouble. Not all marriages can or should be saved, but many can be. Don’t wait until your situation is very serious before getting help.

There are many agencies, organizations, and individuals in the state of Alabama who care about you and your efforts to build a strong and lasting marriage. Healthy marriages and healthy families create healthy communities—something we all want. We wish you all the best and hope that this guide is helpful in your journey.

Keys to a Successful Marriage

Managing	your Marriage
Money Work & Family Home & House-Care Responsibilities Children In-Laws

Special Topics

Issues that hurt
              relationships
Substance Abuse, Gambling, & Other Addictions
Mental Health Problems
Sexual Infidelity

Domestic	Violence
About Domestic Violence Myths & Facts Where to Get Help

Resources

Published by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. An Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. © 2007 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. All rights reserved. June 2007

For more information, contact your county Extension office. Visit http://www.aces.edu/counties or look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find contact information. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.