Things to Consider Before Getting Married
Getting legally married is easy, getting legally divorced is expensive, painful and can have life long effects on all involved. Here are some simple questions you should ask each other before taking this important step.
1. Have you discussed whether or not you want to have children? If you do, who will be the primary caregiver?
2. Do you have a clear idea of each other's financial obligations and goals? Do you agree on ideas about spending and savings?
3. Have you discussed your expectations for how the household will be maintained? Are you in agreement on who will manage the chores? Do you both share the same definitions of cleanliness?
4. Have you fully disclosed your health histories, both physical and mental?
5. Is your partner affectionate to the degree you expect?
6. Can you both comfortably and openly discuss your sexual needs, preferences and fears?
7. Will there be a television in the bedroom? Who controls the set?
8. Have you reached a clear understanding of each other's spiritual beliefs and needs? Have you discussed when and how your children will be exposed to moral/religious education?
9. Do you truly listen to each other and fairly consider one another's ideas and complaints?
10. Do you like and respect each other's friends? Have you discussed how often you will see your friends outside of the marriage?
11. Do you value and respect each other's parents? Are either of you concerned about whether the parents will interfere in your marriage?
12. Is there anything about each other's family that annoys you?
13. Do you have a clear idea of how to divide holidays with your respective families?
14. Are there some things that you are NOT prepared to give up in the marriage?
15. If one of you were to be offered a career opportunity in a location far from the other's family, are you prepared to move?
16. Do each of you feel fully confident in the other's commitment to the marriage and believe that bond can withstand whatever challenges you may face?
17. Are you fully ready to take responsibility for your own part in this marriage, emotionally, spiritually and physically?
18. Are you fully aware of the emotional, spiritual and intimate needs of your partner?