So, You Think You're Ready For Marriage?

If you and your significant other have been dating for several years and feel like it’s time to tie the knot, you might be wondering if you’re ready to do so. The simple answer? Yes! But if you want to know how to know if you’re really ready to get married, read on to find out what the research has found on predicting marital success.

Here Are Some Signs That You’re Ready

The following are five signs that you might be ready for marriage:

1. You’ve had a long-term relationship before

2. You have a good sense of who you are

3. Your values and your partner’s values match

4. Both of you have no big secrets or doubts about the other 5. You have the maturity to handle what life throws at you

Have The Talk

Start by figuring out what you want for your future. Once you have a clear idea of the type of person and lifestyle that appeals to you, it'll be easier to figure out if there's anyone who can offer that to you. If there is someone out there who meets those criteria, then it's time to have The Talk.

This might sound scary and intimidating, but it really isn't that complicated! Just ask them Do you want to get married someday? Remember, this conversation should happen when things are going well in your relationship so they don't feel like they are being ambushed. Let them know that marriage may not be on their radar right now and they don't have to answer right away - just think about it and come back with an answer later on. However, make sure you give them an ultimatum; either propose or break up with me within the next 6 months.

7 Things To Ask Yourself Before Saying ‘I Do’

1. Am I in a good place with my mental health?

2. Is my partner happy and healthy too?

3. Do we have a strong support system of family and friends around us to help us through tough times?

4. Do we have more good days than bad days together as a couple?

5. Do i feel like my partner really knows me and understands me?

6. Can we talk about things without arguing or fighting all the time?

7. Is our relationship growing everyday in ways that bring out the best parts of each other?

Write A Wedding List

1. Ring - One of the first things a man will do when he decides to propose is pick out a ring. A woman's engagement ring is her most important and cherished possession. It should be made of white gold or platinum and contain one diamond with a minimum carat weight of two ct., which will depend on the size of the finger. The setting should be round, semi-round or pear-shaped. If she wears this ring as an everyday piece it may also contain other gems such as blue sapphires or yellow diamonds.

2. Wedding Dress - Regardless of what style you want your dress to be, here are some basic guidelines for shopping:

A wedding dress should always have sleeves unless you plan on wearing a shrug for coverage. No matter what time of year the wedding takes place, dresses typically fall into three categories; seasonless/all year, winter/fall/spring, and summer/spring. Consult with your tailor about whether or not certain fabrics can be tailored to suit different seasons. When trying on dresses make sure they are long enough so that any alterations that need to be done can easily take place and don't forget the all-important veil! Remember that not every bride needs a veil but they can add height and elegance if desired.

Trust Yourself And What You Deserve

When you know you've found the one for you and there's no one else that could make your world a better place - then it might be time to think about getting married. This is something that you should do when you feel ready and when you're sure that this is what your heart wants. Sometimes people will rush into marriage without really thinking things through because they want to please their family or friends, but if this isn't what your heart wants then it's not worth it in the long run.

Ditch The Black And White Mentality

If you are thinking about getting married and you want to make sure that the relationship is a healthy one, it's important to look at the situation in its entirety. By knowing yourself and your partner well enough before tying the knot, you can avoid many of the common pitfalls that come with marriage. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses as individuals is an important step in this process. Make sure to also talk through any past experiences that have shaped who you are now.

Give The Relationship Time To Develop

Many people rush into marriage without giving the relationship enough time to develop. Waiting for a year or two before making a decision is an excellent way to make sure you are ready for marriage. A key sign of readiness is when you can't imagine your life without your significant other in it. You should also be able to talk openly about any issues that arise in the relationship and come up with creative solutions together.