LIFE ADVICE
Getting Ready For Marriage: What To Do Before Saying “I Do”
Wedding dress? Check.
Invitations? Check.
Reception party? Check.
Everything is set for your wedding. But are you ready to march down the aisle?
Some couples make the mistake of thinking that getting ready for marriage is all about the wedding details when, in reality, it’s more about preparing to fulfill your wedding vows for the rest of your life.
After all, your wedding day marks the beginning of your lifetime journey, from starting a family and managing a household to becoming a parent and facing challenges with your spouse.
I’m not saying you should neglect to pick your wedding theme or cake design, but also take this time to prepare your heart and mind.
Go through this list of must-dos to declare a much more certain “I do!”
1. Know your conflict management style.
Conflicts are inevitable because of your and your spouse’s differences. However, your goal isn’t to prevent problems but to deal with them with love and maturity.
Be sensitive to whether your partner is ready to discuss a misunderstanding. Know what helps you calm down from heightened emotions. Most of all, practice effectively and respectfully communicating your thoughts and feelings.
2. Work on yourself.
Living closely with someone dear to you will make you continuously discover more about yourself, from your positive traits and talents to your less attractive aspects.
Make your marriage work. Don’t let your flaws and weaknesses stand in your way.
Accept your negative aspects and invest in becoming better. Identify the root cause of your unhealthy behavior, anxieties, and fears, and find healing for yourself.
3. Be financially ready.
Settling down and starting a family has practical demands — rent, diapers, milk, and, later on, college fees.
Getting ready for marriage doesn’t mean striving to be filthy rich. However, be financially stable to fulfill your responsibilities.
Will you and your spouse equally contribute to generating income? What are your budget priorities? How much should go toward personal savings and future investments, like a house or a car?
Evaluate your financial situation, set goals, and plan how to achieve them together.
4. Strengthen your bond.
While there will be bills to pay, problems to solve, and chores to finish, never neglect to nurture intimacy with your partner.
Make it a habit to prioritize your relationship.
Find a hobby together, set regular date nights, and learn each other’s love languages. The more your love grows, the stronger you’ll be against the trials you’ll face.
5. Build a support system.
Marriage is between you and your future spouse, but you can’t survive without the help of family and friends.
No matter how close and in love you are with each other, you’ll have needs that your spouse can’t single-handedly fulfill.
Surround yourself with loved ones. Reach out to them when these moments arise. Ask for their advice, or spend time with them to relax and chat. Their presence will refresh you and bring new energy to your marriage.
Prepare For a Lifetime Together
Your wedding day will be one of the most exciting moments in your life. However, the marriage life that follows can be more beautiful if you prepare for what it entails.
Be serious about getting ready for marriage, not just your big day. Your wedding ends in one day, but marriage lasts a lifetime.
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