You and your partner can’t wait to tie the knot. After getting engaged, you dove into planning your wedding or elopement. Now, you can’t stop thinking about your exciting future together. But in the midst of this busy season of life, it’s also important to consider how you’ll manage problem solving, conflicts, and communication as you merge your lives.
Many couples assume that premarital counseling is only for people who are struggling with relationship problems during their engagement. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! What if you and your partner rarely disagree? Going through premarital counseling is still a great way to strengthen your relationship. Here’s why even the happiest couples can benefit from premarital counseling in the long run.
Identify Unspoken Expectations
When you enter a relationship, each person brings in certain expectations. You might have specific future goals in mind that you always envisioned experiencing with a partner, like buying a home, having children, or even financial goals like retiring early. Furthermore, you may have particular expectations for your partner’s behavior.
Most couples talk about these expectations prior to getting engaged. But sometimes, you and your partner are both holding on to expectations that neither of you have ever voiced. A therapist can help you identify and open up about these expectations so that you can ensure your future plans are aligned.
Explore Patterns You Picked Up from Your Families
The relationships between your parents as well as other influential adult couples you were around as a child can affect the way you approach relationships as you grow up. Chances are, both you and your partner learned some behaviors and patterns from your families that you’ve brought into your own relationship.
In therapy, you’ll learn how to recognize patterns that your family passed on to you that might not serve you in your marriage. You’ll work on breaking free from these patterns along with your partner.
Improve Your Communication Skills
Healthy communication is a learned skill. We develop our communication skills by imitating the people around us. But what if you didn’t witness healthy communication growing up or in your previous romantic relationships? A therapist can help you and your partner sharpen your communication skills so that you’re able to express yourselves authentically and meet each other’s needs rather than suppressing your feelings.
Navigate Complex Conversations Before the Wedding
Maybe you and your partner are dealing with some issues that you’d like to address before your wedding. Even if you’re still certain that you want to get married, every couple hits bumps in the road. You might be trying to figure out how to deal with your in-laws, decide where to move next, manage your finances, or tackle another problem.
During counseling sessions, your therapist can guide you through these complex conversations without taking one side or the other. You can find workable solutions that honor both of your needs.
Learn the Art of Active Listening
Listening isn’t just sitting quietly while your partner talks. It involves paying close attention to what they’re saying, thinking carefully about how they’ll respond, and even noting their body language as they talk to you. Your therapist will support you as you both learn how to become better listeners.
When you’re home, you can practice this skill outside of sessions. By becoming active listeners, you’ll both feel truly heard and accepted in your marriage, which builds a strong foundation for the future.
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Are you and your partner looking for ways to strengthen your relationship before tying the knot? Consider premarital counseling. Connect with us to find out more about our couples therapy services.
