Okay, so today I want to share my experience with premarital counseling. It’s something my partner and I decided to do, and honestly, it was a really interesting journey.
Getting Started
First, we had to find a counselor. We asked around for recommendations, and checked some online directories. It felt a little awkward at first, like admitting we needed “help,” but we pushed through that.
- Looked at reviews.
- Considered their specialties (some focus on communication, others on conflict resolution, etc.).
- Made sure their approach resonated with us.
We found someone that my friend had used before we get married, they said that it’s one of the reason their marriage went smoothly.
The Sessions
The actual sessions were… well, they were a mixed bag. Some were super insightful, others were a bit uncomfortable. We basically talked about everything:
- Our expectations for marriage.
- Our communication styles (turns out, we’re pretty different!).
- Our finances and how we planned to manage them.
- Our families and how they might influence our relationship.
- Our values and beliefs, to see where we aligned and where we differed.
- Our biggest fear about get married.
The counselor gave us some exercises to do at home, like writing letters to each other about our fears and hopes, or practicing active listening. Sometimes it felt cheesy, but it actually helped us connect.
The Tough Stuff
There were definitely some tough conversations. We dug into past arguments, identified recurring patterns, and talked about things we’d been avoiding. It wasn’t always easy, and there were a few tears, but it felt important to get it all out in the open.
And the most difficult part is when we talk about our family’s opinions. But we managed to get through of it.
The Outcome
In the end, premarital counseling gave us a much stronger foundation. We learned how to communicate better, understood each other’s needs more deeply, and developed some tools for handling conflict. It wasn’t a magic fix, but it equipped us to navigate the challenges of marriage with more awareness and intention. And, we agreed to always check each other up from time to time, and re-do the session if we have to.
So, that’s my experience with premarital counseling. It was a bit of a rollercoaster, but ultimately, I’m really glad we did it.
