An important part of getting engaged and preparing for marriage is talking about how you will handle finances as a couple. Studies have shown that money is one of the most common things that couples argue about. We all have beliefs about money and strategies for managing our finances before entering into a relationship, and those beliefs and strategies don’t always align. 

These differing views about money can lead to disagreements and arguments in our relationships, so it is important to make sure we work through our differences before getting engaged. By talking about how you and your partner will approach money and finances in your relationship before getting engaged, you will be more prepared to have tough conversations and handle challenges related to money during marriage. 

Read more: Navigating Finances as a Couple.  

Other HRI resources to help you and your partner build a solid financial foundation:

Complete the free HRI course on Money, Stress, & Couple Relationships. 

Watch the HRI Relationship Booster on Couples & Money.

Good communication is an essential part of any relationship. All relationships have ups and downs, but a healthy communication style can make it easier to deal with conflict.

Couples often cite a lack of communication as a major problem in the relationship, so it makes sense for engaged couples to spend time learning how to communicate with one another and becoming familiar with their own communication style.  

Our HRI Toolkit for Couples is a great resource to intentionally learn and build healthy communication skills together. Download it for free today and begin practicing healthy communication skills with your partner!

Whether you are already engaged, or starting to have those conversations with your partner, creating shared meaning can strengthen your relationship and set the tone for a healthy marriage and relationship later on in life. 

This article provides couples with a list of questions to begin discussions that can help you both embark on your journey to creating shared meaning. 

Whether you make Sunday breakfasts together or choose to celebrate a particular day in your relationship each year, having different rituals and celebrations will help to stay connected even if times are difficult. 

Begin creating shared meaning today, whatever that looks like in your relationship!

A big misconception in our culture is that we must resolve every conflict in our relationships, but in fact, there are certain problems in relationships that can’t necessarily be solved. (Learn more about solvable vs. perpetual problems here.)

Rather than trying to resolve all of their conflicts, couples should aim to talk through conflict in a respectful manner. Practicing active listening, validating your partner’s feelings even when you do not agree, and finding ways to stay connected while discussing conflict (i.e., a touch on the hand, making soft eye contact) are helpful strategies to help keep emotions at bay when talking about difficult issues together. 

Remembering that the point is not always to resolve or end the problem helps to ensure that couples can move forward through all types of conflict.