Getting married is a big life decision that needs to be well thought out and planned. While romance and love are important, they’re not the only things to take into account while forming a lasting relationship. It’s important to assess the basis of your relationship and make sure you’re both on the same page before making the move.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 things to consider before getting married. By thoughtfully evaluating these key aspects, you can set yourself up for a strong, happy, and fulfilling marriage that will last a lifetime.

Compatibility: For any marriage to succeed, compatibility is essential. Examining their compatibility before marriage is necessary for couples Compatibility encompasses values, interests, beliefs, hobbies, and goals compatibility. Emotional compatibility is also important between intending couples. Conflict may arise, for instance, if one partner is more laid back and indifferent to honesty and integrity, while the other does.

Communication: Effective Communication is an essential ingredient for a happy marriage. Communication helps people to understand each other and reduce the number of conflicts they might have. So the question is “Can you communicate effectively, honestly, and respectfully with each other?”

Biological compatibility: Intending couples need to consider pre-marital tests and screenings for Sexually transmitted diseases, genotype compatibility, Rhesus compatibility and fitness of the reproductive organs. It is important to undergo these tests and ensure compatibility before marriage.

Financial stability: Discussions about Money matters should be prioritised by intending couples. You both need to outline your savings and financial goals, any incurred debt, any plans for investment, and the plan you have for managing your finances together. Would you be having a joint account, personal account, or both?

Family and friends: You need to consider each other’s families and how involved they would be in your married life. How will your marriage affect your relationships with family and friends? Would there be a significant change due to religious differences, values differences, or other differences? You also need to understand the family background of your intended spouse and how it has helped form them into what they are.

Children: it is essential for intending couples to discuss the number of children they envision having together or if they don’t want to have children. They also need to discuss on how they intend to raise the children together and their future plans because having children is a huge responsibility to handle and needs adequate preparation.

Personal growth: Will your marriage allow for personal growth, independence, and individuality? Marriage is a process of growth and progress on a personal level. Partners must make a commitment to each other’s personal growth and development. This entails helping one another realise their goals and aspirations. For instance, both partners must consent if they wish to go back to school to finish their degree.

Conflict resolution: Conflict resolution is all about repairing situations. People resolve problems in different ways however how will you and your partner resolve conflicts and disagreements in a healthy and constructive way? There would be disagreement between partners but couples need to handle them in the most effective and amicable way.

Commitment: Marriage involves being committed to someone for life. You and your partner need to be ready for it. You both need to be fully committed to the marriage and willing to work through challenges together. Trust and commitment work both ways and it’s needed in every relationship. The question of ‘how well you trust your partner’ needs to be answered.

Realistic expectations: Do you have realistic expectations about marriage and each other, and are you prepared for the ups and downs of life together? Couples need to have the same goals and aspirations for their future together. This comprises objectives such as career, family, and personal development.

Marriage is a beautiful journey, but it requires effort, understanding, and compromise from both partners. Considering these factors can help you build a strong foundation for a happy and fulfilling marriage.

DDG, the US rapper, has announced his separation from Halle Bailey, the Hollywood actress and singer.

In an Instagram story, the rapper, whose real name is Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., disclosed the split was a mutual decision between them.

DDG, 26, said even though the decision is not easy, it is the “best path forward for both of us”.

He added that despite the split, they are still “best friends” and will now focus on co-parenting their child.

“After much reflection and heartfelt conversations, Halle and I have decided to go our separate ways,” he wrote.

“This decision was not easy, but we believe it’s the best path forward for both of us. I cherish the time we’ve spent together and the love we’ve shared.

“Despite the changes in our relationship, our love for each other remains deep and true. We are still best friends and adore each other.

“As we focus on our individual journeys and our roles as co-parents, we cherish the bond we’ve build and the beautiful moments we’ve shared.

“As we navigate this transition, we ask for your understanding and support.”

The duo became public with their romantic relationship in January 2022.

They share a son Halo, who was born in December 2023 after Halle, 24, kept her pregnancy a secret for months.

Karen Igho, the 2011 Big Brother Africa reality TV show winner, has taken to social media to reveal her marital struggles with Yaroslav Rakos.

The pair tied the knot in Jos, Plateau state in 2014 after a nine-year relationship; the union. They have two children together.

But in a series of X posts on Tuesday, Igho revealed she is about to lose her marriage, citing alleged physical and sexual abuse.

She accused Rakos of attempting to take custody of their children by falsely claiming she was mentally unstable.

The reality star, who relocated to the United States, asked the public to hold her husband responsible should harm befall her.

“I’m going through a divorce with my husband, I have been homeless for a year and I have been hurt sexually and physically,” she wrote.

“So if anything happens ask or hold the man who brought me to a country where and I know no one, he is trying to take children away by saying I’m mentally sick.”

I'm going through a divorce with my husband,I have been homeless for a year and I have been hurt sexually and physically so if anything happens ask or hold the man who brought me to a country where and I know no one,he is trying to take children away by saying I'm mentally sick

— karenigho (@Karen_Igho) October 1, 2024

In another post, Igho argued that she is mentally stable. The Delta state native also appealed to Africans to pray for her and her kids.

“God Almighty bless Nigeria and Africa my heart pray for your daughter of the soil. I have been through so much this past year, please African pray for my children,” she added.

“In case you don’t you hear from me again know that I have been killed, I am not sick mentally and I don’t do drugs.”

Rakos has yet to respond to Igho’s allegations.