Marriage can be a scary thing for men these days. With so many unhappy marriages and divorces around us, it’s no surprise that some men are hesitant to jump into such a commitment. However, avoiding marriage altogether is not the solution. The key to success and happiness in marriage lies in preparing for it before tying the knot. Here are 16 things that men should do before getting married.

1. Watch Your Language

When hanging out with buddies, crude jokes and foul language may add to the fun. However, be cautious of using such language around your partner. It can come off as disrespectful and inconsiderate. Learning to control yourself and offering respect to your partner’s opinions can help build a strong pillar for your relationship.

2. Go out with the Boys Now

Being married doesn’t mean that you’ll never see your friends again. However, it’s important to remember that now there might be someone waiting for you at home, expecting you to be there at a certain time. Such sudden plans, wild nights, or road trips may not always be a good idea, and could cause friction with your spouse. So, go out with the boys now and get it out of your system!

3. Fight with Her

Arguments are an inevitable part of every relationship. Before you get married, it’s essential to learn how to fight fair. Learn to control your anger and avoid being childish, calling names, or storming off in a huff. Fighting constructively will help you solve a problem rather than just fighting because you’re supposed to.

4. Learn to Cook

Learning to prepare healthy and simple meals is a crucial skill for every individual, whether man or woman. While it’s great if your partner loves cooking, there will be times when you’ll need to step up and make something for yourself or even your partner. Don’t rely on ready-to-eat foods or canned stuff. Learn some basic cooking skills to help yourself when required.

5. Budget and Talk About Money

Money issues can cause nightmares in any relationship. Avoid this by making a budget and setting clear financial goals. Identify where you want to be headed financially and have an open conversation about money matters.

6. Take a Trip by Yourself

Traveling alone can be a unique experience, where you’re only responsible for yourself. It’s the time to get comfortable with your own company and soul-search about your priorities and what brings you peace. Once you’re married, there will be someone with you on all your trips.

7. Learn Basic Cleaning Skills

Nobody likes a messy partner or someone who takes cleaning for granted. Learning to use the washing machine, vacuum cleaner, and even washing dishes and keeping them away can go a long way. You need to contribute to the household post-marriage, and being able to clean shows that you’re willing to be accountable for your responsibilities.

8. Make Peace with Your Past

Everyone has a past, and it’s wise to make your peace with it before heading into a new phase of life. If there are issues with ex-girlfriends or any other unresolved issues from the past, resolve them before getting married. It’s essential to let go of your baggage and start a fresh new chapter.

9. Get to Know Her Family

Marriage means getting to know not only your partner but also their family. If your partner has a close family, get to know them better, and become a part of their circle. They might be annoying sometimes, but they’re family you need to get along with.

10. Live on Your Own for a While

Being responsible for oneself, bills, and the household is an essential skill to have before getting married. Living on your own can teach valuable lessons about taking care of oneself and contributing to the household without having to rely on others.

11. Get to Know Your Own Parents

Sometimes we think we know everything about our parents, but there’s always something new to learn. As an adult, have deeper and more meaningful conversations with them about their past, including their marriage. It can prepare you for some aspects of marriage and strengthen your relationship with them.

12. Do Absolutely Nothing with Her

Marriage isn’t always about doing something exciting or exotic adventures. Some days are about being together, even with nothing to do. Practice being comfortable and content in each other’s company without any activities, which can go a long way.

13. Talk to Your Married Friends

Talking to married friends can give valuable perspective on marriage and challenges, from different angles. You can learn from their experiences and take preventive measures to avoid possible future problems.

14. Challenge Yourself

Marriage is a challenging phase of life, and it requires a lot of effort and patience. Challenging yourself physically, mentally or emotionally before getting married can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses and help you manage stress healthily.

15. Live with Someone Else

In addition to living on your own, it’s beneficial to learn how to co-habit with someone else. This means learning to share chores and knowing how to communicate in a shared living space. Communication is essential between roommates, and it will solidify your communication skills required for your marriage.

16. Figure Out Your Deal-breakers

Everyone has something that can’t be negotiated, and it’s essential to identify them before getting married. Knowing and accepting one’s deal-breakers and respecting them in a relationship is crucial for a healthy and successful marriage.

Conclusion

Preparing for marriage goes far beyond proposing and saying ‘I do.’ Taking the time to work on yourself, getting to know your partner, and preparing for the ups and downs of married life can help you build a strong relationship that will last a lifetime. By doing the tasks listed above, men can increase their chances for marital happiness and success.