When you marry someone, you’re basically signing a contract to be tied to them for the rest of your life. Thus, ensure you read all the terms and conditions thoroughly, as you would for any important contract, and are confident in your decision. Love is, of course, the bedrock of a happy marriage, but there is a catalogue of things which should be discussed before taking the plunge, and it is common for them to become a point of contention if they are ignored.
Kids
You and your partner must discuss whether and how many children you want before you tie the knot. It’s also good to talk about how you would like to raise your kids – if you wish to be a hands-on parent or give them complete freedom, how to discipline them, etc. It’s important to be on the same page in these matters. If not, it can be a sore point in your marriage.
Money
Keeping a marriage together requires more than love. Often, money problems lead to serious arguments. Before marrying someone, find out what their relationship with money is like. Do they have an abundance mindset or a scarcity mindset? If it’s the latter, are you okay with it? It always helps to have a partner who is responsible with their finances.
Chores
The world has changed for the better. People have realized how unfair it is to stop women from working after marriage if they want to and confine them to the kitchen. At the same time, they’re realizing how burdensome it is for men to be the family’s sole breadwinners. More and more couples are willing to split responsibilities today, but many are still stuck in the old ways. It’s better to put forth your ideologies and expectations beforehand.
Home
Your choice of where to live has an impact on every aspect of your life, such as your career, your relationships, and your children. It’s important to discuss your idea of ‘home’ with your partner before marriage. Where do you want to settle down? How big does the house need to be? If you get an opportunity to move out for work, will you prioritize that over living with family? Talk these things out.
Habits
Good and bad habits are part of everyone’s life. It’s okay as long as they don’t interfere with someone’s day-to-day activities. Before marrying someone, you must talk at length about your habits and theirs, and decide if you’re both okay with most of them, if not all. That’s the only way to know if you can spend the rest of your lives together.
Deal-Breakers
To avoid conflict, it’s important for you and your partner to communicate your deal-breakers. Your relationship will be more transparent, clear, and trust-building as a result.
Social Media
Some people enjoy sharing their lives on social media, while others prefer to keep their private lives private. In a relationship, it’s important to know if your partner is comfortable with and consents to your time together being documented online.
Work
There are people who are okay with work taking a backseat after marriage, and there are those who prioritize it above all else. It’s important to know which category your partner lies in, so you’re not disappointed with their actions later.
Intimacy
The sex drive of each person is different, and sex is an important part of any relationship. Furthermore, each individual has their own preferences regarding intimacy. Some value emotional intimacy above everything else, whereas some find physical intimacy is most important. It’s up to each individual, but before getting married, be sure your partner understands your needs and boundaries.
