So you think you’ve found ‘the one,’ and all geared up to settle down with them – for life? Are you sure? Like, really, really sure? You know, marriage is a huge commitment to make, and it’s not just rainbows and butterflies and mushy things. Or, are you single and ready to mingle? It doesn’t matter if you’re in a stable relationship with ‘the one,’ or as single as could be, there’s no denying the fact that marriage is serious business. It’s one of those life-altering decisions that your mum warned you about. So it’s best to be absolutely certain about your decision before tying the knot, and to get certain things out of the way before taking the step.
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, there are some things to do before getting married, or else, they will cause you major regret sometime down the line. Sure, there are lots of crazy things that we’re going to list down here, but it’s up to you what you can and can’t do, and what you would but won’t do.
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This list of things aren’t in any specific order, and not bucket list kinda stuff, but you sure would regret not giving them a shot if you don’t even consider some of them. Let’s get to it, shall we?
1. Date many people
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Dating many people will help you discover new aspects of your personality. It will open you up for newer experiences. It sure does teach you what you like and what you don’t, and will give you a unique opportunity to narrow down the things you’re looking for in a partner (if you’re single). It also gives you a chance to know what’s out there and equip you in fine-tuning your search for ‘the one,’ who wouldn’t seem as elusive as when you first started out.
2. Have buckets of sex
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Practice makes perfect, yeah? No matter how many adult videos you watch or how many erotica you read, nothing beats hands on experience. The more you do it, the more you understand what you like and what you don’t like. Also, you’ll figure out how much you can and can’t push yourself in the bedroom. Life will only get better the more you do the deed, no? Just think of all the endorphins released into your system after your between-the-sheets workout! It’s bound to make you happy, yeah? However, we strongly recommend that you practice safe sex – at all times!
3. Experiment sexually
Try different positions and different things in the bedroom. Try role playing, or bring in kink elements. However, we suggest that you both talk to each other beforehand about what is acceptable and what is not, so that nobody gets hurt in the process. That should never happen. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and if you are, try to read up as much as you can beforehand and talk about your apprehensions with your partner. That should put you at ease to try something new, eh?
4. Travel – like you’re going to die in a few months
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Travel far and wide to exotic locales alone, or with your buddies. There’s nothing that will enrich your life and color to your life than traveling. Traveling solo is a whole different experience that you need to give yourself the chance to indulge in, at least once in your life. And if you do it before getting married, bonus points for you! Soak in the culture, the food, the people, the place, the architecture, the ambiance – everything!
5. Enjoy your friends’ company
Once you tie the knot, you’ll be absorbed in your own world, with hardly any time for your friends. Your friends are your support system who have been there for you in your times of need, so repay the favor and spend as much time as you can with them and make memories, ones you can cherish for as long as you live. Don’t forget, these are the same friends who are going to stand by you in times of your need when you hit a rough patch with your spouse/partner. So invest in quality friendships and cherish them for their support and loyalty.
6. Accomplish career goals
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You might be the woman who quit her job as soon as she got hitched because she wanted to ‘take care’ of her husband. You might be the man who changed jobs just so he could please his wife by making more money. So before taking the plunge and getting hitched, be sure to exhaust, or at least make a good enough dent in your list of career goals. Being independent is something that you do for yourself, for your happiness and growth. So don’t put it on the back burner and regret later.
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7. Fall in love
Not everyone is fortunate enough to fall in love just once and have their own slice of heaven with their happily ever after. So fall in love with people you click with, until such time as you meet your ‘one.’ Granted that heartbreak is terrible, but every heartbreak teaches you invaluable lessons in love, life, and relationships, and gives you access to your own self. These are sure to come in hand in your life, no?
8. Live alone
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As hard and difficult as this might be, you have to live alone in your life. This is one of the most awesome things to do before getting married that you need to scratch off your list. Your home is a reflection of you, where you can express yourself fully and freely, and more importantly, without shame. This is an invaluable opportunity to know more about yourself, your capabilities, and making it on your own.
9. Save as much as you can
Manage your finances well, so that you have to have something for a rainy day as well. As much as you want to splurge on traveling and buying baubles that catch your eye, keep part of your monthly income aside in your savings account. The day you can live independently without exceeding your means, you’re self-sufficient. Even though marriage is all about teamwork, you need to know that you can contribute your share when building the life you want with your partner.
10. Discover new passions, interests
One of the important things to do before getting married is to learn new things since you don’t have any commitments or answerable to anyone. You’re not obligated to spend your time with anyone, so take advantage of your unmarried status and learn as many new things as you can. Try anything that catches your eye, be it rock climbing or pottery or candle making, there are numerous hobbies and interests you can pick up, if only you make time to discover them.
11. Party hard
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When you’re unmarried, you’re not answerable to anyone, and don’t have any obligations either. So take advantage of it by partying hard with your friends. Trust me, your priorities will shift once you’re in a committed, serious relationship. Want to attend the Glastonbury or Coachella and party hard? Go do it. Want to attend an illegal rave? Just do it!
12. Learn to cook
Learning to cook is a life skill that you need to learn, no matter your gender. Popping a pre-cooked meal in the oven is not cooking. Apply yourself and try recipes of full dishes. Whether sweet or savory, learn one dish that is your signature dish. If you can cook a three-course meal by yourself, you get additional brownie points!
13. Enjoy your solitude
How many times in your life can you recall when you were well and truly alone? Without any distractions, an urgent thing that required your attention, a commitment you had to keep? Be alone and enjoy your solitude when you find those rare moments. These moments are in abundance when you’re unmarried, and once you get into a serious, committed relationship, they come farther and farther apart. So when you have time alone, learn to savor it for all its worth.
14. Love yourself
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Last but not least, learn to love yourself – the way you are, warts and all. What they say is true because unless you learn to love yourself, you won’t be able to love another soul. When you’re thinking about getting married and committing yourself to another person for life, you need to have loved yourself fully and completely and utterly. If you don’t like something about yourself, then do something about it. Don’t be afraid to do everything in your power to learn to love and appreciate yourself, because if you don’t do that, how can you expect someone else to love you, yeah?
If not all of these things, you need to do at least some of these things before tying the knot. Remember, getting married and building a new life with another person is not to be taken lightly. You don’t want to regret not having done what you want later in life, do you?
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