Runaway Bride 20 of Engaged Couples Call off the Wedding



May 3, 2005 -- Utilizing data from pre-marital counseling, it is estimated that approximately 20% of couples call off the wedding. That is almost 500,000 people per year. The change of heart may reflect fear of commitment, anxiety over a new role,
doubts over the chosen partner or other concerns. One thing is certain, however, many couples spend more time planning the wedding than they do actually talking about the marriage, according to relationship expert Barbara Bartlein, author of Why Did I Marry You Anyway 12.5 Strategies for a Happy Marriage.

"The relationship gets lost in the unrealistic expectations for a perfect day," according to Bartlein. "Often the couple does little talking about the big issues that couples must address for a happy marriage, they are too busy picking out invitations, flowers and menus."

With a divorce rate of over 50% for first time marriages, Bartlein suggest that couples discuss the top three issues that couples fight about; money, children and sex. "These three issues represent the majority of problems for most couples. It is important to have an open dialog so there are not surprises after the wedding," says Bartlein.

"I also recommend a smaller wedding than 600 people and 14 bridesmaids and 14 groomsmen," states Bartlein.

Clinical psychotherapist, speaker and author, Barbara Bartlein, RN, LCSW, is The People Pro. She has assisted radio, TV and print media find answers to relationship and mental health issues since 1980. She has appeared on FOX, CBS, and NBC. She has been quoted in the Chicago Tribune, The Business Journals, Women's Day and other periodicals.

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Runaway Bride 20 of Engaged Couples Call off the Wedding