Cars and Marriages: Discover What They Have in Common

Buying a car is a huge investment and commitment. For many people who cannot afford to buy their car with a one-time payment, the only solution is to get a loan from the bank and do a monthly payment for the next three to five years. Aside from paying the monthly payments, insurance premiums, gas prices, maintenance and repairs, add up to the monthly expense of owning a car.

Since car ownership is a costly endeavor, we make sure that we research and learn as much information about the car that we want to buy before signing the dotted line in the contract. We make sure that the car that we are buying has a good reliability record, average or below average maintenance demand, and a good depreciation value.

How long do we keep our cars? Before the instruction of the leasing system, the average family usually keeps their cars from 5 to 12 years. But with the leasing system now in placed, the average car is kept for 2 to 4 years.

As I was thinking about car ownership, a thought came to mind. I started comparing the commitment that we devout in order to own and maintain our cars and the commitment that we devout in order to maintain our marriages and other significant relationships.

Maybe I am talking to a small percentage of our country’s population who are totally devoted of making sure that their cars are blazingly buffed, the tires are sparkling, the dashboards are dust-free, and the interior smells fresh. Nevertheless, the comparison offers significant implications.

First, like cars, marriages demand maintenance and upkeep. To make our cars run smoothly and trouble-free, we make sure that we replace the oil regularly, inflate the tires accordingly, and bring to the garage for a regular check. Marriage needs these same care and maintenance. We make sure that we express and show our affection regularly, communicate constantly, and build-up each other continuously.

Second, like cars, marriages demand commitment and devotion. Like many of us who likes to keep our cars throughout their life span, marriage is a commitment for life. Unlike test-driving a car, commitment in marriage is not based on a trial and error basis to see whether you and your prospective partner will be compatible or not. Once you sign the dotted lines, you are in for the long haul.

Third, like cars, marriages can break down and will need repairs. When my car breaks down, I don’t go to my plumber—unless my plumber is also my car mechanic, or go to my real estate agent. I bring my car to a reputable garage with personnel that know exactly the brand of car that I have. In the same token, when we experience problems with our marriages, we make sure that we get the right help from the right people. Not everything is our car is self-serviceable. It is the same thing in marriage. Don’t assume that you know everything about marital relationships. Seek help from the right people.

Happiness, success, wealth, and all the positive things that we desire are by-products not only due to personal persistence and abilities, but also due to successful interpersonal relationships between husband and wife, between parents and children, between employer and employee, etc.

We can learn lessons that help improve our marriages even from the way we maintain our cars. So, every time you buff your car to its optimum sparkle, ask yourself this simple question: What can I do to make my marriage as buffed as my car? Enjoy the ride in your car. But most of all, take pleasure in your long-lasting companionship with your spouse.

To read more of Ole Alouni's other articles, please visit his personal blog at www.living-insights.com

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