Two individuals madly in love, do not always consider the possibility that when they come back to earth there might be issues to deal with over the horizon. Communication is essential. Couples must be crystal-clear when it comes to core issues that will impact them in the immediate future - especially children and religious beliefs. Each needs to articulate openly how he or she feels about such issues. If one detects that a partner's ideas do not resonate with him/her, it should be seen as a red flag warning of trouble to come. The prophet Amos exclaimed rhetorically, "Can two people walk together without being in agreement?" (3:3)

How can such communication be improved? A useful exercise, suggested by a number of marriage counselors and therapists, involves a couple sitting down together and going over these issues. They may do this alone, with a trusted friend, pastor or rabbi, or maybe a parent. Recording the results of such discussions can be very useful in creating a tangible testament to each one's position on a number of vital issues affecting their future social, spiritual and religious lives.