8 Things Every Woman Should Do Before Getting Married.

For the majority of women, marriage is an event that they eagerly await throughout their lives. However, although marriage is unquestionably a thrilling and significant event, it’s not the only significant life event that can alter a person’s course. Consequently, even after dating for a few years, it’s advisable to take your time walking down the aisle.

According to life coach and author Sarah E. Stewart, M.S.W., C.P.C., “marriage changes everything.” “Your focus shifts from being on yourself to being on us.” Most people find it particularly difficult to adjust to this, especially those who have been single for an extended length of time.

But, getting used to sharing your life with someone else will not only be simpler, but it may also foster a happy and long-lasting marriage if you intellectually, emotionally, and financially prepare for your union while you are still single. For that reason, we have compiled a list of eight experiences that every woman should have before getting married. Continue reading to find out more.

1. Date and Have Relationship

Although some people cannot afford to date before saying “I do,” relationship experts concur that dating can be a great way to determine who is good and incorrect for you. Dawn Michael, Ph.D., a clinical sexologist, relationship specialist, and author, argues that dating is a process that everyone should go through. “When you do get hitched, [dating] will be the one thing that you are happy that you don’t have to do again,” she adds. Couples and family psychologist Fran Walfish, Psy.D., concurs, saying that having prior relationship experience and a benchmark to compare yourself to offers you a frame of reference about your potential spouse.

2.Live Alone or With Roommates

Moving in together after graduation could seem like the perfect choice if you and your significant other have been dating since college. But before you decide, keep in mind that this might be your one and only opportunity to live independently as adults. Stewart says, “You learn so many things from living alone.” You gain knowledge on how to be emotionally and financially independent. You feel accomplished when you pay all of your bills, and you gain strength when you spend a few weekends and weekday evenings by yourself.

3. Be Financially Independent

Similar to being able to support yourself, feeling prepared for marriage also greatly depends on your ability to manage your finances. According to Stewart, “being financially independent means you are not going to get married because you have to, whether you have a career or a well-paying job.” “You are valuable.” This implies that you will be able to support yourself independently in the event that you separate or get divorced for any reason.

4. Experience a Healthy Fight With Your Partner

Experts concur that the secret to a happy marriage is to know exactly how your spouse resolves disagreement before you tie the knot. “Every couple has misunderstandings, arguments, and differences of opinion from time to time—even the happiest, most compatible couples,” adds Dr. Walfish. “You must be certain that your partner is capable of self-examination and accountability, and that they are a willing participant in open communication without defensive postures.” Put another way, you don’t want to wed a person who will constantly place the responsibility for issues that occur on you.

5. Travel the World

Plan ahead before saying “I do” if you haven’t had the chance to see and explore the stunning world that surrounds you. You can and probably will travel with your eventual spouse, of course, but experiencing independent travel alone or with friends can help shape who you are as a person. These are experiences you can personalize and determine what they mean to you. Traveling with a spouse will change after marriage, according to Dr. Michael, so enjoy the opportunity to be completely self-centered while you’re traveling.

6. Develop a Hobby or Two

According to Stewart, having hobbies not only makes you more interesting but also gives you your own space and time—something that will be useful in your marriage. Having a way to express yourself and decompress from life’s stresses and strains—be it jogging, reading, writing, yoga, or meditation—will improve your marriage and overall quality of life.

7. Establish a Solid Support System

As you acclimate to married life and have less time with the girls, getting married frequently causes a shift in your social group, according to certified marriage and family therapist Marissa Nelson, L.M.F.T. “It’s crucial to foster your relationships with your close friends because you and your spouse might host events and go out together, maybe with other couples.”

8. Learn How to Deal With Conflict Privately

You may have told your friends and possibly even your family every little detail about your new lover when you first met or began dating them. However, if you’re in a committed relationship, it’s critical to maintain and safeguard the union’s integrity. According to Nelson, “when you get mad, no more calling all of your friends for consensus about whether you are right or wrong in an argument, and no more Facebook rants or cryptic quotes about a fight you may be having.

“What happens in your relationship needs to stay in your relationship; your marriage is sacred.” She advises, instead, finding a therapist you can confide in and learn techniques from to help you become a better partner and handle conflict, or simply venting to a reliable best friend.