Six Questions to Ask Yourself About Getting Married.

UPDATE: Colleen contributed to the article: 80+ Important Questions to Ask Before Getting Married (According to Experts), by Jessa Claire, writer for UpJourney.

The idea of marriage is beautiful, but it’s not always easy to get there. Many people who want to get married end up breaking up instead. So what questions should you ask yourself if you’re considering getting married?

Are you ready to commit yourself to the relationship?

Investing one time and energy solely into one person can be daunting, but when you’re in love, it’s worth every second. Are you ready to commit to someone else for the rest of your life? Are you willing to go the distance? There will be no turning back when “I do” is said. You’ll have to sacrifice, put your needs aside, and learn how to compromise. But if you’ve found someone special who makes you feel like you were created just for them, you should consider getting married.

Are you emotionally prepared for marriage?

Marriage is a commitment, so you need to be sure that you’re emotionally ready. Marriage requires patience, understanding, and tolerance. It would be best if you also accepted each other’s flaws and weaknesses; therefore, you must be mature enough to handle the responsibilities that come with marriage. Commit to your partner to attend pre-marriage counseling. This way, you can work out any emotional conflicts that might arise and identify the strength and weaknesses you both bring into the marriage.

Do you have healthy communication skills, problem-solving, and conflict resolution included?

If you don’t communicate well, you may find problems arise between you and your spouse. Therefore, developing healthy communication skills is essential before tying the knot. Listening skills must also rank high if communication is the key to a successful marriage. These skills include listening without interrupting, asking questions, and offering suggestions. It also includes being able to express feelings clearly and honestly and offer support when needed.

Do you see yourself building a family together?

Before you tie the knot, consider what kind of family you want to make together. The number of children plays a vital role in this decision. If you plan on having kids, you should know they require much attention and care. A stable environment is necessary to aid their development. Other factors include finances, lifestyle, and education. These things will all play a part in whether or not you decide to start a family with your partner.

Have you discussed financial matters?

Financial topics are integral to consider and often overlooked during the dating process. However, once you get engaged, you should discuss these topics. Discuss the cost of the wedding and honeymoon. Both of you should be financially responsible. You should also discuss money management, budgeting, debt, savings, investments, and retirement plans. If you agree on these things, you will likely stay happy throughout your marriage. Many happily married couples end up in a divorce because of financial disagreements. So, it’s best to avoid any surprises later on.

What do your religious views bring to the marriage?

A person’s belief system is fundamental when deciding to marry. Religious beliefs can affect many aspects of a couple’s lives, including their sexual behavior, parenting style, and even their view of God. Take the necessary time needed, before marriage, to establish a clear understanding of your own beliefs.

Get Support From A Mental Health Professional

The staff at New Heights Counseling wants you to know you can have a happy marriage. Questions like the ones mentioned above and others help us determine how we can best serve you. We encourage you to call our office at (850) 757-1552 today to schedule an appointment and offer free phone consultations. Our therapists provide individual therapy, group counseling, and marriage counseling services. Check out our staff bios on the website at meet our team.

Other Mental Health Services Offered At New Heights Counseling

New Heights Counselor offers therapy for many issues, not just relationship issues. We assist those who struggle with anger management, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, abuse, trauma, PTSD, self-esteem, confidence, body image, eating disorders, and many more. We want you to feel comfortable enough to share your thoughts and feelings with us so that we can better understand your needs.

Our services are for children, adolescents, and adults, and we offer in-person sessions at our Fort Walton Beach, FL location and online therapy for the state of Florida. The office is on the 2nd floor of WorkSpace Suites at 1992 Lewis Turner Blvd, Suite 1057, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. Get directions here on Google Maps or visit our office location page.

Appointment Schedule (Last appointment – 4 PM)

Sunday Closed

Monday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Evenings/Weekends by Appointment

Additional Resources:

• What to know before getting married: Advice from a couples therapist, by A. Pawlowski, Today.com
• 18 Questions to Ask Before Getting Married, by Andrea Bonlor, PsychologyToday.com
• Getting Married: Step To Take Before You Say I Do, LawDepot.com
• Welcome Video from New Heights Counseling Founder & Clinical Director, Colleen Wenner

Not ready for counseling yet? Read these blogs written by New Heights Counseling therapists.

• Why Do I Seek Reassurance In My Relationship?
• Relationship: Communication Is Crucial!
• Communication Problems With Your Spouse? Avoid These Verbal Responses.t Can I Do?

About the Author:

Colleen Wenner started New Heights Counseling because she wanted to help people struggling with mental health concerns. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Colleen is a certified supervisor in Florida and an EMDR trauma-certified practitioner and consultant in training. Colleen is committed to providing excellent client care and services the Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Niceville, Destin, and surrounding communities.

Colleen has always advocated for mental health and well-being and has dedicated her entire life to raising public awareness about mental illness. She has been featured on various podcasts such as Practice of the Practice (The #1 Podcast for counselors in private practice), Shrink Think Podcast, and The Salty Christan Podcast, to name a few. She has also contributed to several articles for Yahoo Best Life, Unfinished Man, and UpJourney. Colleen guides her clients through understanding themselves and their ability to change their lives for good by using compassionate, authentic, and nonjudgmental communication.

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