2. OBJECTIVES:
* Define the concept of long-term commitment and its
importance for marriage
* Explain the difference between liking being married and
doing the work to preserve a marriage
* Identify the three types of commitment: personal, moral,
and structural
* Reflect on their own level and type of commitment in their
marriage
* Apply strategies to strengthen their personal commitment
and overcome challenges in their marriage
4. Long-term commitment refers to
dedicating yourself to something for a
long time.
1. It can be a promise to do something
or to behave in a particular way, or a
promise to support
somebody/something
2. A long-term commitment
complements the rest of your life as it
becomes an integral part of it
3. It can also refer to a financial
commitment to pay somebody’s or
something’s bills over a very long period
5. --- Family relationships
--- Friendships
--- Acquaintances
--- Romantic relationships
--- Sexual relationships
--- Work relationships
---Situational relationships (sometimes called
"situationships")
Relationships typically fall into one
of several different categories
(although these can sometimes
overlap):
8. • Personal Commitment is also known as “I
Want To” (Temple, 2003). If you have
personal commitment, you may find yourself
thinking, “I want to stay in my marriage.” You
may feel pleasure or joy from things you have
personal commitment for.
9. • Moral Commitment is also known as “I Ought To”
(Temple, 2003). Moral commitment means being
committed because you believe it is the right thing to
do. This may include staying in a marriage because of a
certain set of values or beliefs. You may say, “I made a
commitment before God and I should keep my
commitment” (Temple, 2003).
10. • Structural Commitment is also known as “I Have To”
(Temple, 2003). If you have structural commitment, you
would find yourself thinking of staying in the marriage
for your kids, it costs too much to get divorced, or
staying together because you might worry about what
others think of you.
11. REFLECT & SHARE…
Rate each statement or scenario on a scale from 1
(strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), and explain
your reasons.
• “I want to get married someday”
• “I think living together before marriage is a good idea”
• “I would not marry someone from a different religion or
culture”
13. What are some of the skills or qualities that are needed to
maintain a healthy and happy long-term relationship or a
marriage?
How do you cope with or resolve any conflicts or disagreements
that may arise in a long-term relationship or a marriage?
How do you express your love and appreciation for your partner
in a long-term relationship or a marriage?
