THE PRE-MARRIAGE PLAYBOOK

Getting married demands honest conversations before you say "I do".

- Ravina M Sachdev

When we think about finding 'the one', falling in love, and settling down, we rarely think about the hardships and unexpected aspects that come with marriage. In fact, most couples get married believing they know everything about each other; in reality, many difficult conversations crop up after tying the knot. The solution? "Talking through certain subjects before getting hitched and ensuring the two of you are on the same page," avers Mumbai-based relationships coach Chetna Chakravarthy.

Talk About Why You're Getting Married

"Sit your partner down and ask them why you're getting married; you might be surprised with the answer," suggests Rishita Makhija, a Mumbai-based relationships coach. "Is it for companionship, love, or because they're eager to settle down by a certain age?" Discuss your vision for marriage; aligning your purpose will only strengthen your foundation.

Discuss Finances

"Don't brush the subject of money under the carpet or talk about it in vague terms," warns Rishita. Instead, sit down and consider meeting with a financial planner. "Discuss how you will handle joint expenses, savings, investments and incomes." While you're at that, it also makes sense to discuss who's going to manage bill payments and fully disclose each other's debts, credit card liabilities, and spending habits.