Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married

Short Audio Book Summary

Description

Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman is a heartfelt and practical relationship guide that prepares couples for the realities of marriage beyond romance and excitement. Known for his work on The 5 Love Languages, Chapman draws from decades of experience as a counselor to offer wisdom on the challenges and opportunities that come with married life. In this book, Chapman outlines key principles and "things" he wishes he had understood before marriage—such as the importance of communication, handling conflict, managing money, dealing with in-laws, sexual expectations, and the impact of personality differences. He stresses that love alone is not enough to make a marriage work and that preparation and emotional maturity are essential. Each chapter is filled with real-life examples and ends with discussion questions, making the book ideal for couples to read together. Topics like "I wish I had known that falling in love is not enough," and "I wish I had known that toilets are not self-cleaning" add both humor and depth, helping readers reflect on both everyday and deeper issues. At its core, Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married is about building a strong foundation before saying "I do." It encourages couples to have important conversations, understand each other better, and develop realistic expectations. Whether you're dating, engaged, or newly married, this book offers timeless advice that can strengthen your relationship and set you up for a healthy, lasting marriage.