With the high divorce rate in the United States, many couples are waiting longer to get married, and rightly so. The CDC reports that almost three out of every one thousand marriages end in divorce, but when you are in a committed relationship and considering if it is time to leave the dating scene for good, there is always a question about how you know if it is the right time and person. Marriage is a big step and takes work and dedication for each party to make it work. If your partner has you looking at engagement rings, then they may be feeling it is time to take your relationship forward. Here are three ways to know if you are ready to move forward and take things to the next level.
Open Communication is the Key
Marriages are built on strong and open communication. A happy marriage allows for open discussions of emotions, thoughts, and opinions without the fear of judgment or attack. This is important in good times and in bad.
Your spouse is supposed to be your best friend, someone you can talk to about anything, who will comfort you, and listen.
Effective communication is more than just words. You must be aware of your body language, what you say, and how you say it.
Talking with your partner should be easy and feel natural. You should not feel the need to always have the last word or that you must win at a conversation or vice versa. If you feel like you have this type of relationship, then you may be ready for the next big step.
Money Issues Are Not an Issue
Studies show that thirty-five percent of couples state money as their number one problem causing issues in their relationship.
If you are thinking about getting engaged, it is important to sit down and discuss financial topics. Having the money you need to build a solid foundation in your relationship is a key aspect of any marriage but understand where each other is financially is just as important.
You must be willing to share information about debt, income, and credit if you are going into a partnership.
Coupes should feel comfortable going into the situation with the understanding of what each person can bring into the relationship, good and bad. If this is something you are willing to accept then you might be ready to walk down that aisle.
Where Do You See Yourself in the Future?
When you think you might be ready to settle down with someone for the rest of your life, you may want to make sure that the rest of your life looks the same to them as it does to you.
Discussing the future can be a deal-breaker if you are not on the same page. If you see yourself with children and your partner does not want children or you think it would be fun to travel the world, but your partner never wants to leave home then you may have a problem connecting in the future.
Opening up and being honest about the future can help to plan a path together or make separate turns before you make a life change decision. If you are willing to bend, compromise, and alternate your paths for each other then you may be ready to make the vow.
No matter what, do not let others push you to take the big step before you are ready. Take your time and get to know your partner and when things are right, move forward with your relationship.
Remember that every relationship has its ups and downs but if you love each other then you can get through it all.
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