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Before you walk down the aisle, you’ll likely scour the internet for the best salons and spas in your area. Chances are, you’ll dedicate just as much time to finding the best attire for your wedding day, too.
While it’s important to spend some time researching the elements that will go into your big day, remember to dedicate just as much time to reading material that will provide you with the support and reassurance you need for years to come. If you’re not sure where to get started, here are five key things to talk about before getting and engaged and getting hitched.
Nearly 40 to 50 percent of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. While this figure may seem alarmingly high, you can avoid irremediable conflict by fostering a healthy relationship with your partner.
The key to a successful marriage is engaging in healthy relationship practices that match both your own and your significant other’s needs. It’s essential to establish boundaries early on, so both individuals feel comfortable and secure around one another.
While reading about healthy relationship practices, you’re likely to encounter discussions about mutual respect, support and kindness. Every relationship is different, but you’ll find that the foundations for a healthy marriage are universal. Reading more about this topic beforehand will secure your connection for the long term — helping you maintain that sought-after “honeymoon phase” well into the future.
Whether you’re the breadwinner of your house, already share expenses with your significant other or plan to be a stay-at-home partner, discussing finances with your fiancé is a necessary thing to talk about before getting engaged. For far too many couples, financial problems and dissatisfaction in a marriage seem to go hand-in-hand. Since approximately 35 percent of couples say money issues contribute to stress in their relationship, you’ll benefit from spending a few extra hours researching this topic.
You should set aside time to sit down together and discuss the logistics of your shared future. At a minimum, discuss setting up an emergency fund. Additionally, life insurance generally costs less earlier in on your marriage, so take the time to do your research and figure out a plan for how you want to manage finances together.
Let’s face it — conflict is inevitable. No matter how in love you may be, you and your partner will not agree on everything.
In your honeymoon phase, you see your significant other with rose-colored glasses and can underestimate the importance of long-term conflict management. However, learning how to live, learn and grow with your partner is key when it comes to fostering a healthy and lasting marriage.
Read up on communication strategies and talk through how you want to work through conflict when it arises. Not only will these tips and tricks prove useful in your marriage, but you’ll also find them to be incredibly handy in your everyday life. When you can mediate situations and handle them with as little stress and emotional strain as possible, you’ll emerge a happier person because of it.
Your relationship is stronger when you are, too. Whether you’re currently prepping to walk down the aisle, recently engaged or reading this the day of your wedding, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed at this new life change.
While a marriage signifies you’re entering into a partnership, that doesn’t mean you should forget about taking care of yourself. When you’re in a positive and happier mindset, it translates over into your relationship. Caring for yourself helps promote a healthy marriage, which in turn further nurtures your mental health as a result.
Prepping to walk down the aisle is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Have fun and enjoy the little details of wedding preparation. Just remember to educate yourself on key topics that will set you and your partner up for a happier tomorrow.
