When two people decide to get married, many things need to be considered – from the type of ceremony to who will be invited. However, one of the most important things that need to be discussed is how the couple plans on dealing with certain key issues. Here are 8 topics that couples should discuss before marriage.
1. Money
One of the most important topics couples should discuss before marriage is money. This is a sensitive subject for many people, but it is important to be on the same page financially before getting married.
Discussing these things ahead of time can help avoid arguments and financial stress. Other important money-related topics to discuss include engagement ring insurance, wedding budgeting, and your views on giving and receiving gifts.
2. Sex and Intimacy
While sex and intimacy are not the be-all and end-all of a relationship, they are definitely important topics that couples should discuss before marriage. For one thing, sex is a physical act that can have consequences if not done safely (i.e., risk of STDs or unwanted pregnancy).
Furthermore, it can be a source of pleasure and bonding for couples, or it can be a source of conflict if there is a mismatch in libido or desire for specific sexual acts. Intimacy, on the other hand, is about emotional closeness and connection. It’s about feeling safe and secure with your partner and being able to share your innermost thoughts and feelings.
3. Religion and Spirituality
For many couples, religion and spirituality are important in their relationship. For some, religion is a central part of their lives, and they want to share this with their partner. For others, spirituality is a deeply personal belief system that shapes their worldview.
Regardless of where couples fall on the religious spectrum, it is important to have open and honest conversations about religion and spirituality before getting married.
4. Family and Friends
Marriage is a huge commitment and shouldn’t be entered into lightly. Before tying the knot, couples should ensure they’re on the same page regarding their families and friends. After all, these people will play a major role in their lives going forward.
Do they have a good relationship with their parents and siblings? What kind of friends do they have? Are they close with their extended family? These are all important questions to ask before getting married. By understanding each other’s relationships with their families and friends, couples will be better prepared to deal with any potential conflict that may arise down the road.
5. Children
Having children is one of the most important decisions a couple can make. It is a decision that will affect every aspect of their lives, from their finances to their relationship. Therefore, it is essential that couples discuss their desires and expectations regarding children before they get married. One of the first things couples should consider is whether or not they want to have children.
This is a difficult decision for many couples, as both options have pros and cons. If they decide they want to have children, they need to discuss how many children they would like to have and how they would like to raise them.
6. Career Goals
What are your career aspirations? Do you plan on continuing to work after getting married? How will your career choices impact your family? These are important things to discuss to ensure you’re both on the same page.
Discussing career goals can help couples identify any potential conflicts early on. For example, if one person wants to move up the corporate ladder while the other is content with a more relaxed pace of life, that can be tough to reconcile.
7. Parenting Styles
Discussing your parenting styles is important if you’re planning on starting a family. That way, you can be on the same page regarding things like discipline and communication with your children.
It’s also helpful to talk about your childhoods and how you were raised, as this can give insight into your parenting philosophies.
8. Health and Wellness
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for both individuals and couples. Before getting married, you should discuss your wellness goals with each other, as well as any health concerns you may have.
This includes things like whether or not you plan to smoke, as well as your alcohol consumption. You’ll also want to discuss any mental health issues that either of you may be dealing with.
Conclusion
Having these eight conversations before getting married is crucial to setting your relationship up for success. You can avoid conflict and build a stronger, more satisfying marriage by understanding each other’s perspectives on important topics.
