Today’s Hindsight interview was especially pleasant because we are all quarantined as a result of COVID-19! It was so nice to spend time with wonderful people – a couple we dearly enjoy. Spending time with happy, thriving former clients reminds us of why we do what we do!
Chris and Katherine Marlin came to us over seven years ago during their courtship – both interested in learning, growing, and taking a long, hard look at their relationship. They met at Indiana University in the business school and were also active in Campus Crusade for Christ. Their relationship began during their junior year and quickly grew from a friendship to a love story. Our time with them was extraordinary and we think of them often, even after all these years!
Chris and Katherine are currently living in Cincinnati, OH and we enjoyed catching up with them. We hope their interview is a blessing to you as you prepare for your future marriage!
Highlights from the Interview:
- Their biggest surprise about marriage was, “It was not that hard.” – Katherine
- They felt extremely prepared due to all the counseling they received.
- “There are hard aspects as with anything in life.” – Katherine
- Marriage, even the first year, does not have to be terrible!
- While they were dating, every few months they sat down and discussed what was not going well and what was going well.
- After these conversations, they felt more optimistic.
- By the time they were married, they found they did not have as many kinks to work out.
- Christ is the most important relationship in their lives.
- “If marriage is your most important relationship, then when it’s not going well, your whole world is now kind of wrecked.” – Chris
- “Marriage is great. It is not the ultimate goal of existence. But, it’s a huge asset and it’s a huge blessing in the midst of pursuing a relationship with Jesus.” – Chris
- They don’t feel compelled to merge all their interests. “We are still two individual people.” – Chris
- As with all great marriages, they have faced challenges. Their most difficult being infertility.
- “It has brought us together to kind of go after something as a couple to intercede for, pray for, and really just ask God to move – because we believe He is the author of life and is in control of that.” – Katherine
- This trial has brought opportunities for sweet times with the Lord.
- Though extremely happily married, conflict is tough for Katherine (I feel you on that, Katherine!) And in those uncomfortable moments, she sometimes thinks, “This would be easier if we weren’t married.”
- That thought is natural for many couples, but it passes along with its feeling.
- What do they remember most from our sessions?
- “Steak and mac-n-cheese.” – Chris (He explains in the interview ~smile~)
- “We talk a lot about the PAIR Test” – Katherine
- Advice for couples? “Don’t screw it up!” ~smile~ – Chris
- This is something you want to get right the first time.
- Seek outside, objective counsel. For example, home buyers feel better about purchasing a house after an unemotional, professional person looks at it and confirms that it is livable. Likewise, they recommend getting an objective couple to do pre-engagement counseling (and premarital).
- And, finally… they knew they were “the one” for each other because… (answer is in the video!!!). ~smile~
Enjoy the full interview!!!
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