When my husband and I got engaged I had two stipulations, first that we had to be together for at least a full year (we had dated on and off for 7 years all through high school and college but had yet to make it though 365 days without breaking up) and secondly that read Before The Ring together and answer the questions in it. I think we technically made it through two or three chapters, but we did bring up all the topics and recommended questions were all answered by the time we reached day 366 together (we were married on day 367).
I came across the book while cleaning out my office a while back. In honor of Valentine’s Day we spent a few pleasant hours cuddled up going through it again to see how many of our answers had changed over our 15 years of marriage. We had fun teasing each other about how immature and naive we were way back when about money and how little we thought having children would change our relationship and us. There were a few uncomfortable moments when we were brutally honest with one another, but we followed the rules listening without interruption or judgment and acknowledged the right to have different opinions. We talked about the dreams that had come true (our children, traveling, and our house), the ones we let go (our careers, our house, and travel) and the new ones that have taken their place (different careers, new house, and travel).
We closed our eyes that night knowing that we were doing OK and we were still on track. It was a wonderful stroll down memory lane with my favorite traveling companion.