Here are some things every woman should do before getting married. Marriage is something that many ladies have dreamed about since they were small children. While marriage is an exciting and significant event in one’s life, it is far from the only life-changing and life-changing event. As a result, it’s preferable if you don’t hurry down to the altar. Even if you’ve been with your significant other for years, if not decades, this is true.
“Marriage changes everything,” says life coach and author Sarah E Stewart, M.S.W., C.P.C. “You shift from being all about yourself to being all about us.” She claims that the key is not to lose oneself in the process. How are you going to make sure you don’t do it? To begin, check off this list of experiences that will help you psychologically, emotionally, and physically prepare for a happy and long-lasting marriage.
Things Every Woman Should Do Before Getting Married
Date and Have Relationships
While not everyone has the opportunity to spend time with other people before saying “I do,” relationship experts believe that it may be quite helpful in determining who is suited for you and who is not. Dawn Michael, Ph.D., professional sexologist, relationship expert, and author, says, “When you do get hitched, this will be the one thing you are happy you don’t have to do again, but it is a process that I feel we should all go through.” A couple and family psychologist, Fran Walfish, Psy.D., agrees, saying that having relationship experience and a baseline of comparison provides you a point of comparison when it comes to your prospective spouse.
Be Financially Independent
Having a firm grasp on your own money, similar to being able to live on your own, will go a long way toward helping you feel ready to marry. “Whether you have a career or a well-paying job, being financially independent implies you will not marry because you feel compelled to,” Stewart adds. “You are valuable.” This also means that if you break up or divorce for any reason, you’ll be able to stand on your own two feet.
Travel the World
Before you get married, if you haven’t had (or taken) the opportunity to explore and experience the lovely world around you, now is the time. Of course, you may and will travel with your future spouse, but having the experience of traveling solo or with friends on your own time—experiences that you can carve out for yourself and decide what they mean to you as a person—may help clarify who you are. Prof. Dr. Michael explains that traveling with a companion changes once you marry, and the places you visit will be decided together. Now is the time to take advantage of your independence and be completely selfish in your trip plans.
Develop a Hobby or Two
Stewart argues that hobbies not only make you more interesting, but they also provide you your own time and space, which will come in handy when you get married. Having an avenue to express yourself and relieve tension and stress in your life, whether it’s jogging, reading, writing, yoga, or meditation, can make you a better husband and a happier person overall.
Establish a Solid Support System
According to Marissa Nelson, L.M.F.T., a certified marriage and family therapist, being married changes your friend group because you have less time to spend with the girls and are adjusting to married life. “You and your husband may find that you host and go out together, potentially with other couples, so it’s critical to develop your friendships with your good friends.”
Get in One Good Fight With Your Fiancé
Experts agree that knowing how your partner manages conflict before getting married is crucial to a happy marriage. “Even the happiest, most compatible couples,” adds Dr. Walfish, “have periodic conflicts, misunderstandings, and differences of opinion.” “You need to know that your spouse is willing to engage in open dialogue without defensive postures, and that your spouse has self-examination skills and accountability capacity.” To put it another way, you don’t want to marry someone who would continually blame you for their issues.
Stop Sharing Every Detail of Your Relationship With Others
When you initially met or started dating, you may have told your friends and family everything there was to know about your new S.O. However, now that you’re serious, it’s critical to maintain and protect the relationship’s integrity. “When you’re angry, no more Facebook rants or cryptic quotations about a dispute you’re having, and no more calling all of your friends for consensus on whether you’re right or wrong in an argument,” Nelson advises. “What happens in your marriage is holy, and what happens in your marriage must stay in your marriage.”
