Couples should also be from the same cultural background and should share the same religious background as well. They should have sound prospects for eventual economic security.
This applies to both the boy and girl; no one should marry for “economic security†though. Both partners should pull their weight in the relationship.
They should develop an ability to communicate with each other and develop common interests, if they do not already share them. The couple should be emotionally mature. They also need to have a sense of humour; a vital attribute in turning off an argument before it gets completely out of hand and becomes destructive.
Whilst the foregoing factors are very important, it does not mean that a couple cannot have a successful marriage if one or two are lacking. Patience, tolerance and unconditional love can very well make up for the lacking factors in some circumstances.
I would also be very unrealistic if I did not mention educational background as an important factor to consider when selecting a marriage partner. A boy has to make sure that his educational background is sound before getting seriously involved with a girl.
He is going to be head of his wife and that means commanding authority over her. It is a hard fact of life that whatever the man does, he must try to be able to be at par with the wife or above in order for him not suffer inferiority complex and also, to understand and appreciate the demands the wife is meeting.
Otherwise, if the difference is too great, problems will crop in that will lead to the breaking up of the marriage. Proverbs 28:23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favour than he who has a flattering tongue.
