Slow Down!: Why You Shouldn't Run to the Altar

It's no secret and no surprise that divorce is on the rise in the U.S. Although declining, marriage is still a popular "to do" in the American culture. So much so, homosexual rights activists are pushing for the legalization of homosexual marriage.

It would seem, in a perfect world, that since people are so anxious to get married, they would work especially hard to keep those marriages in tact. Contrarily, divorce is often much easier and requires a lot less work.

As most of us know there are a number of issues that can send a marriage down the drain. Sometimes the issue is one that could have been totally avoided or resolved with a little thing called communication. I am sure you and your fiancé' think you have talked about everything, but how about those things that will help preserve your relationship after you say "I do." No one wants to take a trip down the aisle in vain. Try discussing these things before you exchange rings.

Spirituality -- Are you equally yoked spiritually? Do you share different religious beliefs or faiths? Will you go to church? What church will you go to? How often will you attend?

Home -- Where will you live after the wedding? Obviously, if you're not already living together, one or both of you will need to move. Will you get an apartment? Will you buy a home and if so, when? How much money can you afford to spend on rent or a mortgage?

Family -- Do you want to have kids? How many? How soon? How will they change your relationship? How important is having children and how far are you willing to go to become parents? Have you ever considered adoption? How will having children affect your careers?

Finances -- What is your current financial situation? Do you have any money saved? Will you share bank accounts? Will you share any debt that is brought into the marriage?

Career -- Have you attained your educational goals? Will you need to go back to school at some point? Do you know what career path you want to take? Will you both work outside of the home? How much time will your career demand?

Quality Time -- How much time do you expect to spend together on weekdays and weekends? Will you set a regular date night? Which meals will you eat together? Will you continue to see your friends on a regular basis? What other hobbies or activities will take up time for each other?

Intimacy -- Are you comfortable sexually with each other? How often do you expect to be intimate? What happens if one of you doesn't want to be intimate at a particular time? Can you handle that and how?

Of course there is a ton of other questions to be added to this list. Be sure to at least cover the basics. Communication is key in any relationship, especially a marriage. You're making a decision that should last a lifetime; don't just run to the altar. Slow down and find out who you're about to marry.