Your values are things like your views on family, money, faith, and how you treat others. If you see eye-to-eye on these types of things, it's going to be a lot easier for the two of you to be on the same page as you build a life together.  Sometimes, marriage can work when you have opposing values, but it will take a lot more compromise and cooperation, and those issues may potentially be a source of conflict later on. For instance, if you believe it's important to raise your children in church but your boyfriend hates organized religion, you may find yourself arguing about that if you have children together one day. Marriage is a big step, and just because you're excited about it, it doesn't necessarily mean your guy is. As you get to know each other better, ask him questions that might show what he thinks about the concept of marriage in general. If he's not ready to get married, there's probably not anything you can do to change his mind.  For instance, if he opens up about past relationships, watch for signs of anything in his history that might make him afraid of commitment. If he has been hurt before, he might need extra time before he can open his heart enough to consider marriage. He might also say things like, "Marriage is just a piece of paper," which might indicate that he has no intention of getting married. If you want a man to marry you, he has to trust you completely. In turn, if he's the right man for you to marry, you should also feel that you're able to trust him. That kind of trust requires being open and honest with each other. Don't lie to him, and don't tolerate dishonesty from him, either. At some point or another, disagreements will come up in your relationship. If things do get out of hand and an argument ensues, apologize for the things you said or did that contributed. That way, he'll be able to see that the two of you can overcome anything together in a mature way, which may help ease any fears he has over being married.  During an argument, try to express your feelings without resorting to name-calling or losing your temper. Ask him to treat you with the same respect, as well. Don't let anyone manipulate you into taking all the blame for a disagreement. In almost every case, both of you will have contributed to the situation. If you want your guy to feel like he can happily spend the rest of his life with you, take every opportunity you can to build him up. Frequently tell him how much you love him and how much he means to you, and give him specific compliments on the qualities and features you love most about him.  For instance, you might say things like, "You're such a hard worker, and I really respect that about you," or "I love your smile!" If he's feeling nervous about a job interview, you might say, "You're so smart and you're more than qualified for the position. If they don't choose you, they don't deserve to have you!" when he goes through hard times. In a strong and healthy marriage, you'll need to encourage each other, solve problems together, and uplift one another when times get really hard. By showing him that he can rely on you, he may feel more inclined to spend the rest of his life with you.  For instance, if he's feeling sad because someone in his family passed away, you might just sit quietly with him, holding his hand. Don't pressure him to talk—he will if he wants to. If he's feeling stressed about work, you might prepare a nice meal for him or take him out somewhere out for dinner so he can unwind. Sometimes when you're caught up in infatuation, it can be hard to slow down and recognize early warning signs. For instance, if he grabs you, pushes you, or screams at you during an argument, that type of behavior is likely to escalate in the future. Other red flags might include trying to keep you away from your family and friends, putting you down or making you feel bad about yourself, blaming you for his actions, or insisting that he take control of both of your finances.
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One-sentence summary -- Plan to marry someone whose personal values are compatible with yours. Take your time getting to know his views on marriage. Be honest with each other. Accept responsibility for your part in an argument. Give him compliments and reassurance. Be supportive Watch for red flags in the relationship.


Once you have completed a draft of the essay, read it aloud and listen to how it sounds on the page. Make sure each sentence flows well and that each section is well developed. Underline any awkward lines or phrases so you can revise them. You should also check for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors in the essay. Get friends, peers, and family members to read the essay. Ask them if your definition of the word is clear and easy to follow. Pose questions about whether your points seem well supported and well developed in the essay. Be open to constructive criticism from others and take their feedback to heart. It will only make your essay better. Once you have gotten feedback on the essay, take the time to revise it for clarity and flow. Remove any sentences that are redundant or unclear. Make sure all your references and sources are properly cited.  If there is a word count or a page count for the definition essay, make sure you meet it. Include a reference page at the end of the essay and a cover page at the beginning of the essay, if required.
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One-sentence summary --
Read the essay out loud. Show the essay to others for feedback. Revise the essay.