Getting married is a big thing, whether you’ve been dating your significant other for years or just a few months. Along with the thrill of your engagement, you might be considering whether you’re showing signs of being prepared for marriage. But for various people, the concept of “being ready for marriage” can signify different things.
“From a counseling perspective, being ready for marriage means that two people have the ability to, at important times, put their individual preferences aside for the sake of the relationship,” says Julienne Derichs, licensed clinical social worker in Chicago.
Here are the major signs that you’re ready for marriage.
1. You know why you want to get married
Do you genuinely want to spend your life with your partner, or are you just getting married so you can say it? Consider your marriage goals. What advantages would getting married to your partner have over keeping things as they are now? Make sure you’re prepared for marriage by asking yourself the difficult questions.
2. You’re planning a marriage, not a wedding
Weddings are enjoyable gatherings where you may see all of your friends and relatives. Are you getting married for this reason, though? Do you merely desire to host a large gathering and command attention? Marriage lasts a lifetime, whereas weddings just last a few hours. (Hopefully!) Plan for your entire lives, not just one day. Even when you’re not the center of attention, consider how your daily life with your partner will be.
3. You know and trust your partner
You need to fully understand your partner, regardless of how long you two have been together. Don’t simply get married because you’ve been dating for four years. Get married so that you can be with the one you love. You are aware of their past as well as their aspirations. Their responses to specific situations are imaginable. Despite knowing all of this, you continue to adore them. You have faith in them beyond that. Make sure you can trust your partner entirely since trust is essential to a successful marriage.
4. You resolve conflicts together
Don’t just brush your issues under the rug and hope that they will go away. You should iron out any kinks in your connection to prevent future conflicts. Do not get married merely to attempt to address an issue. Fix the issue first! You and your spouse won’t be able to communicate successfully if you can’t resolve any concerns. Compromise and dispute resolution in a relationship will create a solid basis for a happy marriage.
5. You make long-term plans together
It’s acceptable to improvise while starting a new relationship. You are only required to make plans for your upcoming Saturday night date and can modify plans at the last minute. Making plans together is necessary once you become committed to one another and become serious. How would you feel if your lover desired to explore the globe? Would you like to accompany your lover or would you be content to stay at home alone? Make sure you both are comfortable working toward these objectives and making these plans together by being aware of what each of you wants.
Also see: The science behind people falling in love with a criminal
