Kay Warren says too many couples demand perfection.

Question: How do you explain the divorce rate in the U.S.?

Warren: I think that too many people are expecting perfection. I think too many people are expecting that this other human being is gonna be able to perfectly meet all of their needs; is always gonna understand them; always be there for them. They’re not. And . . . and when we go at it from that aspect of looking for something that no other human being can give to us, of course you’re gonna be disappointed. I think there’s also . . . I don’t (19:50) know that we value promises as much maybe as even in my parents’ generation. When we said to each other . . . When we stood next to each other and made promises to each other, you know, 32 years ago, they were promises that we intended to keep come hell or high water. We were not . . . Divorce just wasn’t an option for us. I realize that that has to be true for both people. You know if one of us had only felt that way, then of course it would be easier to get a divorce. But I think when both people come into a relationship with the idea divorce is not an option . . . I am committed to you. I am making a vow . . . a vow, and I’m not gonna break it. And we’ll find a way to work this out. We’ve done marriage counseling. We’re not embarrassed or ashamed to talk about that. I would encourage anybody to get good marriage counseling. I would say surround yourself with friends who also value their marriage. If you hang out with people who don’t value their own marriage, or they don’t really see that marriage should be an all-your-life kind of a commitment, then you’re gonna be around people who aren’t encouraging . . . They’re not even working in their own marriage that way, and so they’re gonna be more likely to encourage you to go, “Oh he’s such a jerk. Dump him.” Or, “You know what? She’s not . . . she’s not meeting your needs. You should find somebody else.” When you have those kind of friends, it’s really hard to stay committed.” So I’d say go in with the idea that you’re gonna stay together for life. It’s a promise and a vow, and you’re gonna work it out. And that you surround yourself with people who also are very, very committed to their relationships.

Recorded on: 12/11/07