Getting ready for the new year involves making plans. Some have planned to get back into the gym. Others are already underway to their next vacation destination. What about you? Does one of your goals involve getting married?
The holiday season was a perfect time to make a proposal for marriage. But, are you truly ready?
The first step begins with committing to building a life together with another person. Whether you are in the pre-engagement or engagement phase, here are some questions that you can ask yourself to test your readiness. These are questions gathered from Les and Leslie Parrott’s book called Getting Ready for the Wedding. You are invited to ask yourself these questions and jot down a few answers. Through this serious contemplation, you will continue building a solid foundation as the man and woman you will become in your relationship with your significant other.
Do you know who you are and like who you are?
Do you have a healthy sense of your self-esteem and confidence?
Do you feel comfortable talking about your differences in times of conflict (rather than ignoring them)?
Would people you respect say you are personally mature?
Would you say you have a good relationship with your dad and mom? Or father-figure/mentor? Or mother-figure/mentor?
Are you genuinely prepared to make your marriage relationship a higher priority than your relationship with your parents?
Have you resolved painful or troubling issues with your parents that may impact your marriage?
Have you identified specific quirks or qualities you may be bringing into your marriage as a result of growing up in your family or origin?
These important x-ray vision questions trump others dealing date night decisions and dreams of the future. The latter, you can learn and explore. However, the former takes time, intentionality, and honest assessment.
At Central Light Counseling, we can help you assess your relationship, well-being of self, and communication patterns during this important season of your life. Let’s begin. Click here.
Remargo Yancie, LPC is a licensed therapist, a mental health and relationship counselor. He founded Central Light Counseling to provide quality psychotherapy and care. He has the privilege of working with leaders, influencers, and couples in their developments and journeys of life.