1

ARE YOU READY TO GET MARRIED?
People change considerably during their 20s. So until you've matured as an individual, it is difficult to know if a relationship that worked for you in your younger years will still work for you years later.

2

FINANCES:
Getting married can be expensive. Once you are married, how will you spend your money? Discussing money issues ahead of time (spending habits and where you each feel your money should go) can prevent disagreements later. Discuss how you and your partner feel about buying, saving and sharing bank accounts.

3

HOW ALIKE ARE YOU?
Where do you stand on important issues such as religion and having children? Do your personalities clash or are you in-sync? While some people prefer their mate to be very similar to them, others feel that differences "spice up" the relationship. What are your expectations from marriage? Will you be able to give your partner what he/she needs?

4

PERSONAL NEEDS AND BELIEFS:
What do you need to make a relationship work? What are your views on important issues such as loyalty, honesty and dealing with anger? How do your views fit with your partner's? What behaviours are considered to be "off-limits"? Communicate these with your partner.

5

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
How do you plan to communicate with your partner? Do you know how to fight fairly? There will be things you disagree on – how will you handle this? Set ground rules for communication, making sure to discuss specific issues such as arguing, yelling and name-calling. Are you able to resolve issues to reach a compromise?

6

LIFE OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE:
Having a life outside of your partner is vital, and it is important to maintain your identity rather than to lose yourself in your mate. Discuss how much time you will set aside to spend time with friends or on hobbies.

7

EMPLOYMENT:
What are your long-term career goals? Will you have to travel or relocate for your job? Do you spend long hours at the office? Do your work schedules allow enough time for you to spend together? What kind of effect will your job have on your family life? If you have children, will someone quit their job to take care of them?

8

SE*X:
Being unsatisfied with your se*x life can cause problems in your relationship. Discuss your expectations with your partner, and find out what he/she expects from you in return.

9

PERSONAL SPACE:
Are there times when you need to be left alone? Talked to? Listened to?
Comforted? Communicate these needs clearly to your partner.

10


HOW TO KEEP YOUR MARRIAGE EXCITING:
How will you find ways to keep your relationship going? How do you plan to dedicate time to your relationship? What is your idea of time together – spending time with a group of friends, watching TV, a private dinner or a walk in the park?

11

FAMILY/FRIENDS:
Do you get along with the people who are important in your partner's life? If not, will it cause problems in your relationship?