Meeting that special someone and deciding you want to spend your life with them is a familiar story to all, but deciding to take that step ourselves, can have us unsure of the next steps. With our heads spinning in the clouds, we could have impairments that can affect our judgments. Regardless of how someone makes you feel, there are some things that should be discussed in every relationship that is planning on taking the leap of marriage. Smaller, more easily decisive tasks can center around dividing the duties of the numerous tasks our daily lives require.
The harder talks do still need to happen once the more comfortable topics are settled. Sometimes brutal honesty is necessary. When it comes to forever after, we all want to make sure that we are choosing the right person. Disclosing things that perhaps could be uncomfortable, like finances or the choice to have children or not, can sometimes decide the fate of a couple.
Money
Be upfront and honest with your partner while discussing money. Settling the finances together can open possibilities. Not leaving out any debt that is carried, when properly planning for the future, all accounts should be considered important. Always discuss things like who pays what or if you both would be joining bank accounts. Not understanding how finances will be dispersed throughout the home can lead to many misunderstandings later on—often having large implications on couples that do not decide what they will be doing with their money when they begin to build their lives together.
Kids
Before entering into the sanctity of marriage, couples should have already decided if they plan on having any children. Finding out your mate wants a life without children, and you have had your kids’ names picked since you were a child could cause serious complications in your relationship. Having a completely honest discussion with your partner, and you will know how you both feel about raising children together.
Work Goals
When it comes to starting a life together, our work lives can have a very large impact on the relationship. By communicating what your future career goals are and discussing what type of work schedule you want to commit to. This will give you and your partner a better idea of how much time you intend on bettering your career compared to your time at the home building that after-work life. Keeping both of your future goals in perspective and which ambitions you both want to pursue will help you both work towards a unified goal.
Religion
Religion can have a very strong influence when we choose our mates. Our beliefs help define us and our moral structure. Having the talk about what we believe and where we stand in those beliefs will help avoid any conflicts later on.
Quality Time
With the seemingly never-ending tasks and obligations to get done in the day, we can end up overlooking our partner. Having an up-front discussion about how you expect to spend quality time with your mate ensures your romance continues to grow. Deciding even on a somewhat regular time for spending time together, hearing about each other’s troubles, and enjoying their company.
Health Goals
What types of health goals you want to achieve in your life should also be addressed. What role diet and exercise will play in your life, and how much time you plan on committing those goals. Explore what your interests are to maintain that spark will ensure your physical attractions can always be achieved, and you and your partner are comfortable in those interests. Helping that everlasting love keep its shine.
What Makes You Happy? What Upsets You?
The key is to be as completely honest with each other about the real heart stuff. When you define certain things that can infuriate you or make you feel special and loved by your significant other, chances are both of you will achieve a higher understanding of your compatibility. What those expectations are, and if you both can meet each other’s expectations.
Be As Realistic As You Can
Try keeping things in perspective when you discuss anything about your futures together. By not over embellishing your goals from what you can feasibly achieve. Making a promise, you cannot keep can have lasting negative results on your relationship. Causing strain and dividing you and your partner from achieving the goals you set together. Relationships require honesty and compassion to endure the test of time. By communicating your wants and needs with all your heartfelt honesty, you are sure to have that everlasting love with your future spouse.