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Host a holiday party together
It’s a given that the holiday season can be the most stressful time of year, add in a house full of friends, family and a three course meal and your bound to determine if you and your partner work well under pressure. Bickering is a given under these circumstances, but at the end of the night if you can put your feet up and laugh, your future is off to a good start!
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Go away for the weekend and leave all electronic devices at home
When you pull yourself out of your comfort zone and take away all social media connection, you no longer can hide behind your daily distractions. If you want to test the depth of your relationship spend at least 48 hours away from the rest of the world!
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Sit down and discuss your finances (honestly)
Many couples begin their marriage without disclosing the amount of debt they’re bringing to the relationship. Because money is one of the biggest points of contention and leading causes of divorce, it’s best to sit down and get it all out on the table before saying, “I do!”
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Make a five year plan
Determining each partner’s role in the relationship is crucial to the success of your marriage. Sit down and make a list of your goals and aspirations for the first five years of your union. Make sure to include what you envision when it comes to career, children, living arrangements and financial expectations.
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Discuss the boundaries you intend to set on outside influences
Family members will always have an opinion, sometimes detrimental to your relationship. In order to avoid a strain between you and your loved one you must keep an open line of communication and deter outside opinions from derailing your stance.
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Go on vacation with your future in-laws
When you get married you are getting more than a partner, you’re inheriting their entire family too. One way to break the barrier and really get to know one another is to spend a weekend away, enjoying each other’s company without the stress of daily responsibilities.
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Adopt a pet together
Caring for an animal is a huge responsibility and a good indicator of co-parenting skills. Learning how to divide and conquer the daily tasks can ensure a smooth transition if and when children play a role in your future.
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Take it to the mat
There’s no such thing as a perfect relationship. Learn to fight fair, where each partner feels like they’re being heard and in return you’ll have an easier time resolving conflict.
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Have sex with the lights on
You should always feel beautiful in the arms of the person you love. If for some reason your insecurity is getting the best of you, you must evaluate the relationship. Nothing’s sexier than being confident in the bedroom!
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Live together
You may not believe in cohabitation, however, you should partake in a trial run. Living together shines light on a person’s best and worst qualities, so don’t head into a marriage blindly!