There are so many things that we all believe make a strong marriage that we must think clearly. It’s so easy if someone’s proposing to us to feel overwhelmed and overcome with emotion and the true answer to accepting a wedding proposal is about considering a variety of key factors that ensure you will have a strong and successful relationship. So before you are ready to answer and say “I do,” consider the following:
Is a Surprise Actually What You Want?
You can spend a long time going around a jewelry store as a couple looking at engagement rings but it’s so critical to actually think about the proposal. Some people love the element of surprise but others would think twice as to whether a surprise is actually appropriate. Many people can benefit from discussing marriage beforehand rather than being blindsided by whether a proposal is truly the best solution.
It’s important to think about relationship dynamics, especially if you are someone who is a firm believer in the sanctity of marriage and that it’s a supportive and nurturing relationship. Because the element of surprise can easily throw us into a tailspin, many end up going through a whirlwind time preparing for the wedding before we’ve even had a chance to truly digest what has happened. This is why sometimes surprise is not always the best port of call.
Reflect on Physical Compatibility
It can be easy to think of the physical side of things as not being essential. However, physical compatibility is one of those things that we should never overthink but also never underthink as well. Physical compatibility is something that should be an essential factor before you accept a long-term relationship that leads to marriage.
We can be at a time in our life where we think that we are not getting any younger and therefore we want to be in a relationship with someone, and this means being more accepting of certain imperfections. It can be easy to think about something like sexual compatibility as not being hugely important, but in life, it’s something we should never settle for. It’s important to note that there’s a big difference between this and having disagreements in marriage because if we can break down all of the individual components that make up a successful marriage from empathy and understanding to communication, physical compatibility is just as important.
If you turn around a few years down the line and ignore certain red flags that you’re not super attracted to your partner, this could eventually snowball into something that could cause major problems.
The True Notions of Compatibility
Compatibility is one of those things that we take for granted because there are a number of different things that make a couple compatible. Physical compatibility is an essential factor, we also need to look at other key components.
Effective communication is something that is vital because we need to feel safe when we’re speaking up and compatibility can be greatly enhanced when there is a sense of balance and engaging in problem-solving conversations that are productive. If there’s no sense of equality and being able to put forward ideas this can result in a number of buried feelings down the line. Sometimes in marriage, there are disagreements but it’s so important to have balance and to listen to one another.
Another important factor of compatibility is trust because it’s going to foster a sense of security and confidence not just in life but in the relationship. If one person does not have trust in the other for various reasons this can create a chasm between the two because a lack of trust can drive a wedge between relationships. Compatibility is also about synchronizing different values that could be down to similar backgrounds or even philosophical beliefs which can build a strong and cohesive partnership. Ultimately, compatibility is also about factors such as emotional intensity, idealism, and spontaneity in the need for companionship.
We all want to accept a wedding proposal and it has to be for the right reasons. There are so many of us who believe in the unity of love and marriage and of course while there are fewer people getting married these days if you are someone who’s spent half your life dreaming about your perfect wedding day, it’s so important to go into the idea of marriage with your eyes open because it’s not just about the dress or the ring.
