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Starting a family -

Having children is a very important decision in a couple's life. Before you tie the knot, you should discuss this with your partner so you know where you both stand regarding children.

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Religion -

Religion is not only important to decide how your wedding will be conducted, but it can actually shape your married life. It's very important to understand each other's beliefs. 

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Talk money -

Financial issues can break a couple apart. For instance, personal debt can impact on future loans or a mortgage as a couple. You should be aware of each other's financial situations. 

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Divorce -

Divorce is probably the last thing you want to discuss if you're planning on getting married, but it's important nonetheless. How will you handle things if your relationship comes to an end?

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Past relationships -

Bringing up the past might sound counter-intuitive before getting married, but it's important to understand past mistakes and establish what lessons were learned from previous relationships.

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Pets -

Owning a pet can be great, but it's also a big responsibility. How do you and your partner feel about it? It's better to establish this position sooner rather than later. 

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Spending habits -

We all spend money in different ways and on different things. Some are strict about saving, while for others that's not a priority. This can be problematic as a couple, so discuss it beforehand.

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Friendships -

Having friends outside your marriage is important. But how do you and your partner feel about friends of the opposite sex? What is acceptable and what's not?

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Wedding budget -

Will it be a small friends-and-family affair, or a Hollywood-esque production with hundreds of guests? You're both getting married, so it's important that you're on the same page when it comes to budget.

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Prenuptial agreement -

Signing a prenup is sometimes necessary. It could become very important, and should definitely be discussed openly. 

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Your partner's fears -

It's important to connect with your partner on a deeper level before you get married. Share your fears, doubts, struggles, and regrets. 

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Chores -

You don't want to keep a score sheet on who's done what. Chores should be discussed so expectations can be managed. This is particularly important if you're not already cohabiting.

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Communication -

Remember how you were talking all the time when you started dating? It's important to maintain this. Be open and honest about your feelings, needs, and desires.

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Set boundaries -

These should be set in the beginning of the relationship, but even if you did so, it's always worth going through them again. 

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The in-laws -

You may or may not have a good relationship with them, but they'll soon become part of your extended family. It's time to talk about any issues that might have to be addressed.

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Pet peeves -

As relationships develop, you inevitably discover annoying things your partner does. Remember, a marriage is a big commitment, so talk these through beforehand.

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Plans for the future -

Having common long-term goals is important in any marriage. Of course, it's not always easy to plan ahead, but you both should be aiming in the same direction.

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Conflict resolution -

It's important to establish how you handle arguments. Do you or your partner need some time alone to cool down and think things through? What's acceptable and what's not? Talk openly about this. 

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Love language -

Do you know how your partner likes to express and receive love? And how do you feel loved? Is it through words, is it by physical contact? We express our feelings in different ways. Talk about it.

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Doubts -

Do you feel anxious about getting married? It's normal. Discuss any hesitations that you might have. You don't want to end up having cold feet on your wedding day!

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Where to live -

Where will you live as a married couple? Will you buy or rent? A house or an apartment? What is non-negotiable, and what are you flexible about? 

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Death -

Yes, it's a bit depressing, but when you are married, these rather difficult choices have to be made. Funeral arrangements, life insurance, etc.

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Bad habits -

You might have tolerated these in the beginning of the relationship, but going forward, it's important to discuss any bad habits that might have an impact on the marriage.

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Health and fitness -

Your relationship with a healthy lifestyle is key when it comes to healthy habits, including diet and exercise. Do you share the same views?

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Family medical history -

Your family medical history is important to know particularly if you're thinking about having children.

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Traveling -

Some people are more adventurous than others. Where would you like to travel as a couple? What if one of you has to travel for work, are you both comfortable with that?

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Mental health -

How are you both in terms of mental health? Do you have issues that need to be addressed before you tie the knot? Are these serious enough that it might have an impact on the relationship?

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STDs -

Did you and your partner get tested? In this day and age, it's better to do so sooner rather than later. 

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See also: -

Celebrities reveal their biggest relationship regrets

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