Here's the most obvious statement you'll read all day: marriage isn't something to take lightly. Obviously, when you marry someone, you want to spend the rest of your life with them. Yes, the rest of your life. Now, before you start hearing scary music in the background and reconsider everything you thought you knew about your relationship, let me tell you that marriage doesn't have to make you tremble in fear. There are definitely ways to know if you should marry your partner or not, because, as they say, not everyone is "marriage material" and not every relationship is meant to end in life-long commitment.
I've been married for more than two years, and while that seems like nothing in comparison to other married couples, we've definitely experienced our fair share of ups and downs. There have been days when our marriage has been downright difficult, but I know at the end of the day, there's no one I'd rather go through the hard (and the good) times with. And part of the reason I know that is because I was able to pinpoint the signs we were meant to get married long before saying, "I do."
Thinking through the ways to know you should marry someone will help guide you through the life-changing (and often not as black and white as we wish) decision to commit to spending your life together.
1
Your Long Term Goals Match Up
It doesn't make much sense to marry someone with completely different life goals. If one of you wants kids immediately, but the other doesn't want them at all, you might not make the best married pair.
2
You Communicate and Argue Well
Anyone who says they've never had an argument with their partner is either lying or not talking to them at all. When two people talk about everything, as you should if you're considering marriage, arguments will happen. Learning how to communicate and fight well is a skill all married people should have.
3
You Like Each Other's Families
While it is possible to be married and not love your in-laws, it will make things a lot harder in the long run. What about holidays and vacations? Finding someone whose family "gets you" is a great bonus worth holding on to.
4
You're Comfortable Around Each Other
If you've seen each other at your best and worst, and still don't feel pressured to act a certain way around them, you should keep them around.
5
You're Both Ready For A Life Long Commitment
If your partner isn't ready to be faithful to you forever it may be time to move on.
6
You Make A Good Team
When you're married, there's much more "us" and much less "I." If the two of you work well together, chances are you should tie the knot.
7
You're Each Other's Biggest Fans
Whether you just landed your dream job, took a leap of faith, or stood up for yourself, your partner should always support you 100 percent. Even if their passions are different than yours, they should still be your biggest fan.
8
You Can Make Sacrifices For Each Other
If there's one thing that holds a marriage together, its compromise. That's a bold statement, I know. While you should never compromise the "big things," you have to be willing to be selfless and put your partner first every so often.
9
You Have Similar Values
Your values shape how you live your life. Finding someone with a similar world view will make your marriage much smoother and happier.
10
You Love Each Other's Quirks
As Robin Williams said in Good Will Hunting, "people call those imperfections, but no, that's the good stuff."
11
You Can't Imagine Life Without Them
And, luckily, if they're the one, you won't have to.
