I didn't vote...... I hate writing! always have.

I only know one couple who do something like this, and they are both reporters for a newspaper. Now my nephews and their spouses, not a chance you would catch them writing a grocery list, much less in a journal.

You know your young friends best. If your gut tells you it is a good idea then go with it.

The whole idea I thinks she is getting at is making a journal of their lives together, not to write down the bad things and fights they may have. It's to chronicle their lives. That way in 50 years they can go back and read what they did on so and so a date. SUCH a GOOD idea, I love it. But then again, Journal so I am biased.

That is exactly what that couple did that I saw on tv. They set ground rules on what was written in the journal. They said that many times, they would read the other persons writing and they would discuss it. According to them it strengthened their marriage and as they "grew up" they discovered life together as opposed to apart - as so often happens these days.

I like the idea, Cindy. We have been married for 37 years. At the beginning we of had some disgreements but something told us just to hang in there. Sometimes a person can't talk face to face at first so it may help them to put theirs feelings down. And in going back later in life they will enjoy it. I can remember back when we really didn't have the money or opportity to get out and get a card for each other on special occasions and we would write letters to each other, and believe me we still have them.

You, your son & wife are in my thoughts and prayers.

Darlene

From the way you described the couple, it sounds like a great idea for THEM.

I didn't vote because (typically) I can come at it from too many different angles, none of which is a poll choice.

My parents pretty much did that all the years they were married. They met by letter (Dad served on a carrier in the Navy with Mom's brother) and wrote letters and notes to each other ever after. I'm still finding little notes years after they're gone.

But for my first husband? And for Bob? When donkeys fly. Different reasons, but nevertheless.

So I vote that it's a great idea for a couple that you know would be into it.

Even though I'm not married, I am in a spousal relationship so I felt qualified enough to vote. I hope it still counts! I like the idea. I think - even if they don't use it the way you intend them to, it might serve as a reminder to treasure memories, maybe they'll use it as a scrapbook, maybe they'll add something once in a while....all good.

It's very interesting that the poll results are tied 10 to 10.

I think this is a very thoughtful gift......more so than just a gift certificate or a set of pots and pans. It includes both husband and wife and is something they can continue throughout their married life (or not....depending on the couple). But I'll bet they always think kindly of the thoughtful person who gave it to them.

I voted yes to your idea AMN. Not based on my married life (yikes!) but based on what you wrote about the couple. It sounds like they would love it. .

I rather think most journalers, if they rant, will learn what that looks (sounds) like in hindsight. Maybe it'll teach them a thing or two about saying something nice or nothing at all.

To me I would decide based on the couple.

If I did do it (and it sounds like they are good candidate for this gift) I would start by writing what I wish for them on the first page, adding little sage tidbits learned as I have been married. This would make it not only a nice gift but would start them off right/write (like that pun?)

For me and my DH it would have been a gift that ignored after the first week or so. We are not journalers and it would be seen as homework. Heck after 20 years we may have used the book as a weapon to decide who gets the remote

I say play it safe. Give them a nice piece of china, etc at the actual wedding. I would present the journal gift at the rehersal dinner and explain why you are giving it to them and what it is for/significance. I guarantee there won't be a dry eye in the house.