Relationship: 5 Crucial Topics You Must Talk About Before Making Commitments

There are certain talks every couple should have at various times in their relationship. When you are all set to take things a bit further, it is advisable to discuss some topics really crucial to that stage in your relationship. Things to discuss may vary for different couples, all the same, there are topics to consider before making a solid commitment to another person.  Here are five topics to start with when you feel you have gotten to that stage in your relationship
Definition Of Commitment: Whether you know it or not, you and your partner are continuously defining your relationship. If you don’t know what your relationship means to each of you, you risk repeating past mistakes, getting stuck in uncomfortable roles, or fighting about what a healthy relationship is. Talk about what you mean by words such as relationship, commitment, love, and faithfulness. You’ll be amazed by what you learn.
Finances And Money: Next to sex, money is the biggest generator of problems, arguments, and resentment in long-term relationships. Couples tend to assume that money should be pooled, but it usually isn’t that easy. A disparity in income can mean struggling about who pays for what, or whose income determines your lifestyle. Different financial habits (one likes to save, the other spends more, or doesn’t keep track) can become a source of argument. For many couples, separating the money makes things run smoother; you don’t wind up struggling for control. You can split expenses evenly, or work out a percentage share if your incomes are different. Whatever you do, learn to talk about money in a businesslike manner.
Household Responsibilities: If you’re not yet living together, take a tour of each other’s homes. Drastically different decorating styles, neatness, and organisation levels can become sources of argument, as can housekeeping and chores. If you have different tastes, it may require a lot of creativity and negotiation to decorate a joint home in a way that makes both of you comfortable. Additionally, think hard before moving into your partner’s established home. You may have trouble feeling as if you “belong” in a home that was previously established by your partner, unless you participate together in reorganising and redecorating it.
Family And Friends: If one of you has a lot of family or friends, and the other does not, or if you both have big families, find out what those relationships mean. Where will you spend holidays? If there are family members who have problems, such as financial stress, addiction or mental illness, how much will that impact your relationship?
Anger And Emotions: We all get upset from time to time. If you are usually good at diffusing each other’s anger and being supportive through times of grief or pain, your emotional bond will deepen as time goes on. If your tendency is to react to each other and make the situation more volatile and destructive, you need to correct that problem before you live together.
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