Couples who engage in deep conversations before they get married and ask each other the hard questions have a better chance of a lifelong, loving relationship, say many marriage therapists.
Couples who engage in deep conversations before they get married and ask each other the hard questions have a better chance of a lifelong, loving relationship, say many marriage therapists.
Engaged couples should attend premarital counseling to help them identify the conversations they should have and maneuver through the discussions. Couples who attend premarital counseling have a 31% lower divorce rate than couples who do not have counseling before marriage, according to a phys.org news article.
Also, the integration of a couples retreat with premarital counseling is especially conducive for a “happily ever after” wedding.
Below are 5 things, as recommended by therapists, couples should discuss before making the decision to marry.
Finance
One of the most common sources of conflict between couples is money. Have open communication about finance. Ask your partner:
How much do you earn?
Do you want a joint bank account or separate ones after marriage?
What is your monthly budget?
How have you managed your everyday expenses?
What is your track record for saving?
Children
Discuss your goals and desires on raising children.
Do you want to have children or not?
How many children do they wish to have?
Will you continue to work after having a baby?
What are your views on vaccinations, daycare, homeschooling and other children-related issues?
Lifestyles
Couples need to discuss their lifestyles before diving into a wedding.
Do you consider yourself to be a homebody? Or are you extremely active?
What things do you love to do?
What are your hobbies?
What do you do in your free time?
Sex
Although libido levels vary for everyone, sex compatibility is very important for bonding in marriage. Discuss sexual likes and dislikes, sexual expectations and sexual frequency with your partner.
Work and Life Balance
Discuss your goals and life dreams.
What do you value?
What do you want to attain in life?
What is your vision of your future?
The Bottom Line:
While some of these topics may be awkward to have, communicating them prior to the wedding will deepen the relationship and help you avoid problems in the future.
Author's Bio: Sunny Skousen is an experienced writer who has over 20 years of experience in ghostwriting, blogging, journalism, speech writing, and content marketing. She specializes in writing about Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, Faith-Based Counseling, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Grief/Loss and Trauma, Supervision and Consultation, and more!
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