6 Things You Must Discuss With Your Partner Before Marriage

When you decide to marry someone, you’re basically signing a contract to be tied to them for the rest of time. It’s essential, therefore, to go over all the terms and conditions thoroughly, like you do for any important agreement, and be sure of 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. If ignored, they often become a bone of contention later.

Kids

Before you tie the knot, you and your partner must discuss whether you want kids and if yes, then how many. It’s also good to talk about how you would like to raise your kids – whether you want 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

Love is not enough to keep a marriage intact. Money problems often become a serious bone of contention. 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 sole breadwinners of the family. 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

 

Where you live is one of the most important decisions you make, as it impacts every area of your life – career, relationships, kids. 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

 

Everyone has some good habits and some bad. As long as they don’t come in the way of someone’s day-to-day activities, it’s all right. 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

It’s important to communicate your deal-breakers with your partner, so you both know which behaviours are out-of-bounds. This can bring a sense of clarity, transparency and trust in your relationship.

Social Media

 

Some people enjoy sharing their life on social media, while some love their privacy. In a relationship, it’s important to know if your partner is comfortable with and consents to your time together being documented online.

 

Work

 

Some people are okay with work taking a backseat after marriage, whereas others prioritize it above everything else. It’s important to know which category your partner lies in, so you’re not disappointed with their actions later.

 

Intimacy

Sex is an important part of any relationship, but everyone’s sex drive is different. Moreover, every person has their own preferences when it comes to intimacy. Some value emotional intimacy above everything else, whereas some find physical intimacy is most important. Each to their own, but before getting married, make sure your partner understands your needs and boundaries.