7 important things couples need to discuss before marriage

Most people think the wedding is perfect if everything they had planned for the event was successfully enacted - the dress, the entourage, the food, the music, etc. Couples spend a lot of time, effort and money just to make sure they will have that magical ceremony with all the people they invited groomed to their best. It is not bad to plan for all these, don't get me wrong, but they are not the biggest element of the splendid ceremony.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Fewer couples today spend the same amount of time planning that special day than planning the actual marriage. The wedding ceremony will last one day, the marriage for a lifetime and that requires a more careful and tremendous amount of time and effort to make it work. Through Crosswalk.com, Debra Fileta shared some of the most crucial aspects couples need to talk about before walking down the aisle.

1. The past.

In marriage, you will build a life together as individuals who vowed to come together as one. Who you are is shaped by things in from the past, making every experience or secret with other people a vital aspect in the present and future in your marriage. No matter what the past details are, just be honest.

2. Family(s).

You have to talk about how both your families will be in the picture. Two, sometimes very different, families will play a part in your decision-making so it is better to have the family boundaries understood before getting married. This also includes the family you are going to build together, like how many children and when.

3. Expectations.

Who'll do this, who'll do that, how to do this/that, why - tell each other what you expect of each other within the marriage. By doing so, it will save you from a lot of unnecessary arguments about the roles to play.

4. Finances.

We live in a world where money is crucial. Although we like to say money can't buy happiness, financial stability is a key element on having a less-stressful life. Couples have a harder time when they aren't on the same page in the aspects of spending, saving, tithing, and other money talks.

5. Faith.

Retaining an individual relationship with God is good, but as a married couple, you should consider His role in your relationship. Before taking your vows, make sure you talked about activities concerning faith, like church attendance and praying.

6. Boundaries.

Although you are one before His eyes and the society, remember you still need to retain parts of your individuality. Talking about boundaries in physical gestures, emotions, and spirituality is a good key to a healthy marriage.

7. Struggles.

You both have to open up about what's really inside. Tell your partner your hang-ups, bad habits and everything else you are struggling with. Marriage is a partnership, and it is best to open to each other's strengths and weaknesses.

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Plan your lifelong marriage with as much detail as you do your wedding day. Living in a healthy marriage is the celebration of a lifetime, pursue it.

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