Some conversations stay with you because they are honest, humble, and full of hope.
Recently, I sat down with Dr. Philip Reid, a husband who shares his testimony about premarital counseling and what God used it to build in his marriage over time.
Many couples think premarital counseling is only for “getting ready for the wedding.” But the truth is, a wedding is a day—and marriage is a lifetime.
The purpose of premarital counseling is not to judge you or pressure you. It is to help you build a strong, Christ-centered foundation before you step into a covenant.
It is wisdom. It is protection. And it is a gift to your future.
In our conversation, Dr. Philip shares what it was like to do premarital counseling as a man.
That matters because many men feel unsure about counseling at first. Some worry it will feel like criticism. Some feel they have to “perform” or prove they are doing everything right. But what you hear in his testimony is something different: counseling can be a safe place to grow, understand yourself, and learn how to love well—using practical tools that help in real life.
We also talk about what happens after “I do.” Because real marriage brings real moments—stress, misunderstandings, unrealized expectations, and seasons that feel heavy. This is where a strong foundation matters most.
Dr. Philip speaks about communication, learning to slow down, and choosing unity even when emotions run high. He reminds us that a healthy marriage is not built on perfection. It is built on humility, repair, and the daily choice to honor one another.
If you are engaged, I want you to hear this clearly: do not skip the foundation work. Love is beautiful, but love also needs skill. You need tools for communication. You need clarity about values. You need to understand how you handle conflict, stress, money, family, and faith. Premarital counseling helps you talk about the things most couples avoid until it becomes a problem.
And if you are already married and feeling disconnected, this episode will encourage you too. It is never too late to rebuild. God can restore what feels worn down. A testimony like this reminds us that growth can happen when we invite Jesus into the process and take wise steps forward.
If you have not listened yet, I invite you to tune in to Episode 105: Love on Purpose — A Husband’s Testimony with Dr. Philip Reid. And if you are ready for a clear next step, you can connect with me for a 20-minute connect call. Click here.
You do not have to figure this out alone—before or after “I do.
In the meantime, keep building your better marriage — one choice, one prayer, and one moment at a time.
Dr. Deborah