Before You Say “I Do”

I’ve had the great fortune to peek into the lives and actually speak with a number of married, separated, and divorced folks who’ve been able to give me tremendous amounts of insight into their lives. I’ve obtained valuable information from them all. I don’t pass up opportunities to glean from their lives, because I’ve learned things I would’ve never thought about in the first place. Below are some of my findings and advice I’ve received from different men and women (older and younger) who’ve openly shared their experiences with marriage, separations, and divorce. Check it out…

From the married folks…

Don’t make permanent financial decisions and purchases based on someone else’s income (always be in a position to take care of yourself no matter what.)

Get pre-marital counseling.

Live a whole, full life on your own before committing to anyone long term.

Take your time and don’t rush into marriage.

Relationships are hard work.

If you see something that’s not right about the person at the beginning, don’t marry them.

From the separated and divorced folks…

Don’t do it. “It” being marriage.

Stay independent.

While you’re in your twenties, make sure you’re putting yourself first.

If the relationship is already in trouble, getting married or having kids won’t make things better, it’s just going to cause more problems.

Save marriage for way down the line. Like, way later in life.

Keep your friends and family out of your business. (In regards to issues with the relationship)

Take your time and don’t be in a hurry to get married.

A wedding is just one day and a few hours of your life. Take your time. In a marriage everybody will try to have a say about your life and what you should be doing, and how to raise your kids and etc. So, take your time.

Don’t wait until after the wedding to discover how you both view life and the world.

If you see something that’s not right, or have hesitation, don’t marry them.

When I learned these different things, I found them very eye-opening and insightful. I hope anyone reading is able to benefit from them as well. I know I have.

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