There is a crying need for ‘premarital counseling’ today for a simple reason, that it is not taught in any of the schools; not even in the Medical schools.
We always prepare ourselves well in advance for a short journey on vacation.
Marriage is a long journey. How many times do we prepare ourselves for this long journey?
Marriages are not made in heaven, as is commonly believed!
Marriage is not about falling in love; it’s about walking together in love. Being ready for marriage is a sign of maturity. If you are not yet ready for it, defer it till you know you are ready for it.
We generally concentrate on not-so-relevant aspects like looks, physical smartness, money background, and religion. Indians even consult a Brahmin to get the auspicious date and time so that nothing should go wrong in the future.
Adjustments are a part of life. But then the real-life problems are camouflaged under the influence of hormonal upsurge. This is an age when the hormones hijack our cognitive abilities.
Counseling is an effective way of improving your communication and conflict management skills.
Generally, marriages are instinctive decisions. Ideally, they should be the most thought-after ones.
We should focus rather on the following points –
1) The foremost important thing is to decide if it’s a long or a short journey!
If it’s a short journey then it’s a case of lust. Don’t even think of marriage.
2) Family background
It’s important. An academic person will be a misfit in a political or business family. A criminal family background will, most probably, not offer you a long-lasting and satisfactory relationship.
3) The role of an individual
Establishing a boundary and the role of an individual is important. Or else even — who will do the dishes — might become a starting point of a conflict.
If both are doing jobs, then it becomes doubly difficult. There should be a clear-cut distribution of tasks.
4) Compatibility
Academic, cultural, and economic disparities should be considered. Different religious beliefs could become a contentious issue.
5) Communications and conflict resolution
Disagreements are a part of our married life. We cannot generally change people! We can only influence them. The basic pattern remains the same. How to process the differences? Forgiving and apologizing are not the signs of weakness. We should learn to say sorry to put everything on track again.
Maintaining proper communication is the essence of a relationship. Ask yourself if you can have a friendly conversation with your partner at the dinner table, every day. Any conflict or disagreement can be solved with proper communication.
Remember, all the problems do not find their solutions in a bedroom.
5) Mutual expectations
What are your expectations from your partner? There has to be a common meeting ground.
6) Career
If both are working then career has to be discussed. There are adjustments and compromises. Someone has to walk a step back.
7) Raising a family
Planning a pregnancy is a very important step. It requires not only consensus but also readiness on adjusting several issues.
Both the parties should be given a fair idea about the birth control measures in the initial period of their sexual lives.
8) Money matters
Discussing the financial situation is another area that requires discussion.
9) Sexual expectations
It’s better to discuss them before you tie a knot.
These are a few points you should ponder about before taking the most important decision of your life.
Once you decide to marry, you need to go in for premarital sexual counseling.