10 Things You Should Do Before Getting Married

Burcu Onaranel Erten
4 min readJul 3, 2023

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I was inspired to write this blog post by a chapter from the TV series “How I Met Your Mother.” In season 2, there is a story about a couple who decided to get married and organize their wedding ceremony. However, the girl felt lost about her life. She loved the guy and wanted to get married, but she also had a strong desire to explore different places, try various jobs, and find herself without a boyfriend in her life. Ultimately, they broke up to pursue their individual dreams. After a few months, they both regretted their decision and got back together.

In this blog post, I will share what I have discovered about the things you should do before getting married to ensure you are truly ready for a lifelong commitment. These insights come from my own experiences as well as those of my clients.

I was the girl who refused to get married for years. Looking back, I now realize that I had valid reasons, even though I wasn’t consciously aware of them at the time. In my 20s, I had countless dreams, but most importantly, I felt lost in my life. I didn’t know my purpose or where my life was headed. The only thing I was certain about was my curiosity for human psychology. I enjoyed being with people, sharing ideas, and making an impact on their lives. I knew deep down that I needed to leave the country I lived in and explore the world. I believed it would help me discover who I truly was and what I wanted to do with my life.

Like I said I wasn’t consciously aware that I was doing the right thing for me. I did everything that is listed below before getting married and I feel like there is nothing important left for me to do as a single woman. 🙂

Now, let’s get to the point. Here are 10 things you should consider doing before getting married:

1. Study: Whether you choose to study in your own country or abroad, pursue education. The more you learn about anything in life, the more you learn about yourself. You’ll discover what you enjoy and what you don’t, which is crucial for personal growth.

2. Work: Gain work experience before rushing into a wedding right after school. The workplace provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your communication skills, learn how to complete tasks, and develop a professional demeanor. These skills will benefit your relationship with your future spouse.

3. Travel: Explore as many places as you can, even if it’s within your own country. Traveling exposes you to different cultures, people, and experiences. It broadens your horizons and helps you develop a global perspective, which will contribute to your personal growth and enrich your relationship.

4. Discover Yourself: This is a vital step, but there is no one-size-fits-all recipe for self-discovery. Each person has their own way of learning about themselves. I can only share what worked for me and my clients. Spend quality time alone, go on dates with yourself, and explore your likes and dislikes. Engage in activities such as trying extreme sports, pursuing hobbies like painting or writing, and experimenting with different styles and appearances.

5. Get Drunk: It may sound unconventional, but sometimes letting loose and engaging in immature behavior can be a valuable experience. It allows you to see different sides of yourself, break free from inhibitions, and have some fun without worrying about judgment or consequences.

6. Date & Flirt: Take the time to date and flirt with different people. This will help you understand what you truly desire in a partner and what kind of qualities complement your own. It’s an opportunity to explore different dynamics and gain valuable insights about yourself and relationships.

7. Spend Quality Time with Your Parents: Your parents play a significant role in your life, and understanding their perspectives and values can provide insights into your own upbringing. Strengthening your bond with them will not only enrich your personal growth but also influence your future relationships.

8. Have Fun with Your Friends: Your friends are an important support system. Enjoying their company, creating memories, and going on adventures together will contribute to your personal growth and strengthen your social skills. These experiences will also help you understand the importance of maintaining friendships even after marriage.

9. Assess Your Readiness: Before getting married, deeply reflect on whether you are ready for a lifelong commitment. Consider if you can be loyal, selfless, and supportive to your partner. Assess if you are the person you would want to spend the rest of your life with and if you are mature enough to navigate the complexities of two families merging. Reflect on whether you are willing to share everything with your partner, including your health, wealth, and both good and bad days.

10. Polish Your Habits: Evaluate if you are willing to make adjustments and compromises in your habits for the sake of a harmonious partnership. Are you ready to take on household responsibilities, support your partner, and maintain a peaceful coexistence?

Remember, these suggestions may vary from person to person. You may need to do all of them before making a decision to get married, or just a few may be sufficient for you. The key is to prioritize personal growth, self-discovery, and readiness for a committed relationship.

In conclusion, before taking the leap into marriage, invest time in your personal development. By pursuing education, gaining work experience, exploring the world, discovering yourself, and assessing your readiness, you will enter into marriage with a stronger sense of self and a deeper understanding of what you want and need from a lifelong partner. Enjoy the journey of self-discovery and take the necessary steps to ensure you are truly prepared for the beautiful commitment that is marriage.

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Burcu Onaranel Erten
Burcu Onaranel Erten

Written by Burcu Onaranel Erten

Let's Create Your Authentic Brand and Life | International Motivational Speaker | Certified Professional Life Coach | The Coffee o'clock Pod. YouTube @joyyburcu

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