By Obiesie Ifechi

Getting married is a big life decision that needs to be well thought out and planned. While romance and love are important, they’re not the only things to take into account while forming a lasting relationship. It’s important to assess the basis of your relationship and make sure you’re both on the same page before making the move.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 things to consider before getting married. By thoughtfully evaluating these key aspects, you can set yourself up for a strong, happy, and fulfilling marriage that will last a lifetime.

Compatibility: For any marriage to succeed, compatibility is essential. Examining their compatibility before marriage is necessary for couples Compatibility encompasses values, interests, beliefs, hobbies, and goals compatibility. Emotional compatibility is also important between intending couples. Conflict may arise, for instance, if one partner is more laid back and indifferent to honesty and integrity, while the other does.

Communication: Effective Communication is an essential ingredient for a happy marriage. Communication helps people to understand each other and reduce the number of conflicts they might have. So the question is “Can you communicate effectively, honestly, and respectfully with each other?”

Biological compatibility: Intending couples need to consider pre-marital tests and screenings for Sexually transmitted diseases, genotype compatibility, Rhesus compatibility and fitness of the reproductive organs. It is important to undergo these tests and ensure compatibility before marriage.

Financial stability: Discussions about Money matters should be prioritised by intending couples. You both need to outline your savings and financial goals, any incurred debt, any plans for investment, and the plan you have for managing your finances together. Would you be having a joint account, personal account, or both?

Family and friends: You need to consider each other’s families and how involved they would be in your married life. How will your marriage affect your relationships with family and friends? Would there be a significant change due to religious differences, values differences, or other differences? You also need to understand the family background of your intended spouse and how it has helped form them into what they are.

Children: it is essential for intending couples to discuss the number of children they envision having together or if they don’t want to have children. They also need to discuss on how they intend to raise the children together and their future plans because having children is a huge responsibility to handle and needs adequate preparation.

Personal growth: Will your marriage allow for personal growth, independence, and individuality? Marriage is a process of growth and progress on a personal level. Partners must make a commitment to each other’s personal growth and development. This entails helping one another realise their goals and aspirations. For instance, both partners must consent if they wish to go back to school to finish their degree.

Conflict resolution: Conflict resolution is all about repairing situations. People resolve problems in different ways however how will you and your partner resolve conflicts and disagreements in a healthy and constructive way? There would be disagreement between partners but couples need to handle them in the most effective and amicable way.

Commitment: Marriage involves being committed to someone for life. You and your partner need to be ready for it. You both need to be fully committed to the marriage and willing to work through challenges together. Trust and commitment work both ways and it’s needed in every relationship. The question of ‘how well you trust your partner’ needs to be answered.

Realistic expectations: Do you have realistic expectations about marriage and each other, and are you prepared for the ups and downs of life together? Couples need to have the same goals and aspirations for their future together. This comprises objectives such as career, family, and personal development.

Marriage is a beautiful journey, but it requires effort, understanding, and compromise from both partners. Considering these factors can help you build a strong foundation for a happy and fulfilling marriage.