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Getting Married ? 
Is this the person I want to spend the rest of my life with?
Deciding to get married is one of the biggest decisions a couple will
face together – the decision to make a lifetime commitment to each other.
Good communication between your partner and yourself is vital for a healthy
and happy relationship. Communication is also important when making the
decision to get married.
There are several issues you need to consider individually and as a couple
before making the decision to get married. Most importantly, what do commitment
and marriage mean to you both. Other issues to consider and discuss with
your partner may include:
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What are our expectations of marriage?
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What will be different once we get married?
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What do we each bring to the relationship?
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Where will we live?
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How will we work out our finances?
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Do we want to have children?
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If you do want children, how many do you want and when do you want to
have them?
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Do we have similar values and beliefs?
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If we have differences, are we able to work through them together?
Relationships can be a fulfilling and exciting experience. Our relationships
are an important part of life, whether they are relationships with our
family, friends or partner. But relationships don’t just happen – healthy
relationships require time and energy from both partners. Many people
aren’t aware that there are practical skills we can learn to develop and
further strengthen our relationships.
Relationships grow and change over time, so its important that we have
the skills to be able to keep our relationships happy and healthy.
What makes a healthy relationship?
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According to research one of the most important things in a relationship
is friendship
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A willingness to talk through things, to share openly with each other
to have a safe way to share positive and negative feelings with each
other
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Showing interest in how your partner is feeling, what they are concerned
about and their dreams for the future
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Taking responsibility for your own actions and feelings and encouraging
your partner to do the same
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People need to be able to have fun in a relationship
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Understanding each other’s expectations of the relationship – where
do each of you want the relationship to go
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Knowing and understanding yourself and what you can bring to the relationship
– what can I offer?
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What does your partner bring to the relationship? Good and not so good
baggage
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Knowing that you are not responsible for your partner’s happiness and
that you are responsible for your own happiness
Source:
Australian Government 'Information on Relationships'
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