Tying the Knot? Five Potential Issues to Keep in Mind before Marriage

Tying the Knot? Five Issues to Keep in Mind before Marriage

Marriage is a major change in life, regardless of where in the planning process you are. Even if you’ve yet to get past the proposal, there’s a lot to consider and think over before taking the next step. You know you should be on the same page with your intended before the commitment is in effect, so take some time to make sure you are. Below are five topics to get the conversations started.

Financial Statuses

It’s an oft-mentioned fact that finances are a common stressor in a relationship. It could be that you’re better at saving than your partner, have a significant amount of debt, or simply disagree about budgeting. Whatever your concern is, it’s best to discuss it before it’s a problem in the marriage. While a Salt Lake City divorce lawyer will help you protect future assets in case of trouble, a financial advisor now can teach you to better manage money before it becomes a problem.

Children

The topic of children can be a dealbreaker for many couples, so it’s better to come to an agreement with your significant other before getting married. You’ll have to discuss several different issues, from whether you want any at all to when you want to try conceiving, not to mention how many you’d both like. You should also consider what you two will do if infertility occurs, as well as whether adoption is an option. Then there’s the question of child-rearing and education, since your approaches might not align. Waiting until after you’re married to broach these questions could cause heartbreak and strain, which is why it’s important to start early.

Chores

Chores may very well be the least exciting topic of discussion for a budding marriage, but figuring out the division of household labor can alleviate a lot of stress. Agreeing about who handles which chores is, for many couples, part of a successful relationship. Being able to deliberate what a fair share of work is, especially when one or both partners might seriously dislike certain chores, saves time and exhibits good decision-making. What’s more is that it sets the both of you up for respecting the other’s efforts and establishes a healthy living dynamic.

Location

Buying or moving into a new home with your partner is exciting, but it’s best to consider how it’ll affect your relationship if you plan on including marriage in the move. Where do you both want to live? How will that affect jobs and other relationships you have? The environment and culture of a given area may also influence your wedding prospects; if you’re unhappy where you are, getting married likely won’t change that. Whether you plan on staying in a given location also matters.

Compatibility

Loving and being compatible with your partner are not mutually exclusive. Do the two of you hold the same values, interests, and concerns? Are you “alike” beyond the romantic side of your relationship? Friendship is inarguably vital to a happy marriage, and while you two don’t have to be perfect matches for each other, it’s worth contemplating how well you two align. Knowing you and your partner see eye to eye on what matters can only help.

Whether you’re ready to take the leap or still having second thoughts, marriage requires careful thought and commitment to go smoothly. Talking about any issues you have with your partner ahead of time paves the way for less stress as you get closer to the aisle. Though you may end up putting a wedding aside for later, it’s better to solve problems than let them linger. The five tips above will help you know for certain.