By Jenn Sinrich
Seven Healthy Relationship Habits Experts Think You Should Adopt Before Marriage
These simple steps make a difference.
Whether you’ve been dating your significant other for the better part of the last decade or just a handful of months, establishing healthy habits that create a solid foundation for the relationship is crucial, especially when marriage is on the horizon. Making the effort early on, ideally before obstacles arise, helps you and your partner identify the strengths and weaknesses that you will need to build upon and contend with in the future, explains Julienne Derichs, a licensed clinical professional counselor. “It also helps couples to remember what is important to them about their relationship such as feeling safe, secure, stable, kindness, having the ability to reconnect after a rift, and the willingness to take ownership for the good and the bad that takes place in their lives,” she adds. Here are the habits that experts recommend couples establish well before they walk down the aisle.