Once upon a time, I was in a relationship heading toward marriage. We signed up for a premarital class that started off great, until it didn’t. One day, he simply stopped coming. No warning. No communication. No explanation. I was left to finish the class alone. It was painful, but also eye-opening. That experience taught me two powerful lessons: first, that a partner’s consistency speaks louder than their promises, and second, that I didn’t have to dishonor myself by taking someone back who had already shown me they weren’t ready to walk with me. When he reappeared and asked to come back, I said no. And that “no” became a defining moment of self-respect. What I gained from that class and from walking away is the insight to help others discern red flags, ask the right questions, and make decisions that honor both their faith and their future. Because marriage prep isn’t just about planning a wedding. It’s about preparing for a covenant.