How to Save a Marriage in Romania?

 

In the Transylvanian village of Biertan, Romania, there is a tiny room that may have saved more marriages than any modern therapist. For nearly 300 years, the village recorded only one divorce—thanks to a very unusual tradition.

When couples wanted to separate, they weren’t allowed to do so immediately. Instead, under the guidance of the local bishop, they were locked together in a small room for up to six weeks (usually about two).

Inside this room there was only:

one bed,

one set of utensils,

one plate,

one chair, and

one table.

The couple had to cook, eat, sleep, and talk together in this confined space. The idea wasn’t to punish them, but to slow things down and force communication. With no distractions, no escape, and no one else to turn to, they were left with only each other.

The results were remarkable. Whether it was the enforced closeness, the shared discomfort, or the power of silence, nearly all couples reconciled.

What This Tradition Teaches Us

Today, divorce has become far too easy. Many relationships end quickly, often without real effort to understand one another.

The lesson from Biertan is simple:

Don’t rush. Give the relationship time before making final decisions.

Face each other honestly. Stay with the discomfort instead of running from it.

Talk and listen. Often, it’s the silence and shared space that rebuilds connection.

A Modern Approach

Of course, we don’t need to lock couples in a room anymore. But the principle still applies:

Start with therapy. Couples therapy provides a safe space to explore emotions, conflicts, and misunderstandings. Even if the relationship cannot be saved, therapy helps both partners understand themselves better.

Limit distractions. Set aside phones, work, and external pressures, and give each other undivided attention.

Practice patience. Healing a relationship is not instant—it takes time, courage, and humility.

Sometimes, saving a marriage is less about grand gestures and more about creating the conditions where love, communication, and forgiveness can grow again.

My Video: How to Save a Marriage in Romania? https://youtu.be/75KZMnMHdEI

My Audio: https://divinesuccess.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/Podcast5/How-to-Save-a-Marriage-in-Romania.mp3

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