6 Essential Topics for Couples Before Marriage

Now, this might not be the usual stuff, but before you tie the knot, let’s chat about some important things… Depending on where you tie the knot, you might have to go through premarital counseling before you actually have your ceremony (and it depends on who is officiating).

Nowadays, we see more weddings taking place in venues than in churches. Because of this shift, many couples miss out on building a strong foundation. Of course, premarital counseling doesn’t guarantee a successful marriage. But discussing things like communication, finances, kids, extended family, sex, and life philosophy with your soon-to-be spouse can definitely ease any problems in your marriage.

These are the six key areas every engaged couple should address before saying “I do”:

• Communication. It’s important to argue in a way that’s respectful.
• Financial pressures. Maybe one of you likes to spend while the other prefers saving. You need to find common ground on money matters.
• Having children. You should talk about birth control, when to have kids, and how you would handle an unplanned pregnancy.
• Extended family and friends. This includes how your relationships with parents and friends may change after marriage.
  Sexual relations. Now this part totally makes me blush (I may be kind of a prude… it’s fine) but it’s crucial to openly communicate about what satisfies you in the bedroom for a healthy marriage.
• Philosophy of life and religion. For instance, if one of you follows a different religion, you’ll need to figure out how to incorporate both beliefs into your life. As a married couple, you share everything and are a team.

Taking care of your marriage is taking care of yourself and the person you’ve committed to. Always keep an open mind with your partner, and never forget why you decided to get married in the first place.