I really enjoyed the article entitled Ask What You Can Do To Save Marriages - Archbishop (February 13). I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments of Archbishop Paul Cremona. It is undoubtedly vital for couples to address problems and for each partner to ask what they can do to improve or rectify things within the marriage.

However, one pivotal element was not expounded upon - and that is the need for couples to grow together; instead of growing apart. Husband and wife must find large amounts of smooth, continual agreement and strive for continuity in consent on a wide variety of issues.

That is not to say that disagreements and spats will not occur. They will. But marriage is similar to a staircase. Harmony within a marriage enables a couple to progress forward together: onward and upward. Discord creates a disconnect whereupon the spouses are so separated that they can't touch each other anymore. Success of the matrimonial union depends on kindness and cooperation. Too often people "sign up" for marriage licences as if they were buying an automobile or other commodity.

When the lustre wears off, they feel they can simply abandon it or trade it in for a newer model unilaterally.

But, unlike a product bargained-for by a sole proprietor or individual, a marriage involves a reciprocal union of souls and decision-making must take the other partner's feelings into account.

Furthermore, those people contemplating marriage should have the mental fortitude to envision the marital contract of responsibilities as being forever and perpetual. Anytime an "end game" looks too easy or appealing, a marriage begins to break down and is vulnerable to dissolution.

Archbishop Cremona is right that couples must have a higher place in their hearts for preserving a marriage - rather than getting derailed or distracted by exclusive individual pursuits or interests which alienate their original love for their spouses.

Individuals must ask what they can do to preserve marital bliss by fulfilling the obligations expected of a pair or a team.