It is a revelation to many couples who decide to marry that the road to the altar is far more complicated than they had imagined. Even couples with a long history-who know each other's families, who perhaps have lived together, who have common friends and interests-find that their decision to marry exposes areas of difference that they had not experienced with each other before.

When people are dating and in love, they may tend to ignore these differences, assuming that love will conquer all. They may sidestep subjects that provoke arguments, or avoid uncomfortable discussions about topics such as sex. They might make light of a partner's behavior they don't feel comfortable with. They can also minimize the importance of values and viewpoints they don't share.

Sometimes they may not have discussed their thoughts on what lies ahead, specifically the "big three" issues that many newlyweds have to confront:

1. Decisions about having and raising children.
2. Discussions around sharing, spending and managing money.
3. How they will blend their lives and redefine their relationships with their extended families.

Premarital counseling can help guide couples in making the complex transition into a successful marriage. Counseling provides a safe environment that allows difficult issues to come up in which partners are more likely to be direct with each other about their needs, hopes and wants. It also allows couples to develop skills in conflict resolution and communication, so they can learn to confront the aforementioned major issues head-on. Therapy can also help couples work through what they expect of each other as husband and wife-and as potential parents.