Why Do People Get Married and How Do They Make it Last?

My husband and I were watching Oprah last night and on this episode-Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson and Jill Scott were discussing Tyler's upcoming movie "Why Did I Get Married?" While watching it we started talking about the different responses to that question. I polled a few of my friends and asked them the question and I received a variety of answers.

"I got married because I was pregnant." "We were both ready to settle down." "I got married because I knew she was the one, right from the start." "I fell in love and was excited not have to be dating any more jerks." "I got married because I met my soul mate and we are best friends. We have great communication and we both agreed on our future and I love and respect him."

For those of you that are not married and are thinking of getting married either very soon or in the near future, have you asked this simple but yet poignant question to your significant other? Why are we getting married? Have you taken the time to discuss possible Red Flag items that you may not have gone through in your current relationship? For example: How will you deal with the loss of one of your incomes? What sacrifices are you willing to make? If you have children or plan to have children, have you discussed and agreed who will care for the children if something should happen to you both?