Marriage Goals and Expectations Homework

At the end of the second session I assign 2 bits of homework. The first is to make a list of marriage goals. Each person needs to make a list of 8 marriage goals, one personal goal for the next 3-5 years, and one goal for their future spouse in the next 3-5 years (being sure not to say I hope he/she changes...). Goals are like a vision for a church: without it, the church goes nowhere. I think the same applies to our marriages. Without some basic goals, like "We want to have a date night at least 3 times a month," it is harder to sustain a marriage and grow as a couple.

The next assignment involves expectations. They are each to write out 20 expectations they have for the other person. "I expect him to take out the trash each week." "I expect her to do the majority of the cleaning." Perhaps these are realistic expectations, perhaps they are not. We find that out in session three. Then they have to write out a sentence explaining how their marriage would be different if each goal was not met. If all these sentences sound selfish, I know we need to talk.

Thus ends session 2. Tell me what you think.