A man is most vulnerable during the first few years of his life because hes entirely dependent on his parents. Innocent and helpless, without prior knowledge and experience to make him stand on his own feet literally and figuratively he has no recourse but to lean on his parents.

In some ways, a marriage can be exactly like that. In its early stages, a marriage has no years of togetherness to rely on in times of trouble. In its early stages, a marriage likewise has no recourse but to depend on the couples relationship in order to survive.

For a couple to manage the early stages of their marriage with their love and trust for each other still intact, they must be willing to make the following sacrifices.

Priorities A persons priorities will always have to be adjusted, even in the smallest of ways, when he becomes part of a marriage. For a marriage to last, both persons involved must make a real effort to show each other and the rest of the world if possible that their marriage is important to them, important enough to become one of the top priorities in their lives.

Time And because the success of your marriage is now a priority, its naturally expected that you spend enough time solidifying the foundations of your marriage. This means spending enough time with each other, doing things together and being there for each other. If its your wifes birthday, surely it ranks higher than attending the monthly meeting of your Hotwheels Die Cast Car Association, right? Likewise, if your husband is inviting you to spend one whole day with him fishing, surely the exclusive company of your husband for 24 hours is enough to give up a day spent shopping.

Money Although this is a sacrifice that doesnt affect all marriages, if and when it does become a factor in your marriage, remember that you married each other for better or for worse and for richer or for poorer.

Pride A marriage can only work if both man and woman works together and not against each other. That also means not letting pride rule your actions. Pride can be a very good instigator of fights and blowing things out of proportion. Dont let this happen especially in the early stages of marriages because you might not be able to undo the damage later on.

And lastly, remember to pray. Even if youre agnostic, surely praying wouldnt hurt?