Leading and Love

Engaged

Engagement is a beautiful and meaningful time in a relationship, but it also comes with its unique challenges. As you prepare for marriage, it’s important to approach this period with intention and care. To ensure your engagement is healthy and fulfilling, here are seven things you should absolutely avoid.

1. Don’t Ignore Important Conversations

It can be tempting to focus solely on wedding planning and the excitement of the big day, but neglecting crucial discussions about your future can lead to problems down the road. Topics like finances, family planning, career goals, and household responsibilities need to be addressed.

Why It Matters: These conversations lay the foundation for a successful marriage. Avoiding them can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts later on.

2. Don’t Allow Stress to Take Over

Wedding planning can be stressful, but letting it consume your relationship can create unnecessary tension. Constant arguments about the guest list, budget, or details can overshadow the joy of being engaged.

Pro Tip: Focus on teamwork and compromise. Remember, the wedding is one day; the marriage is for a lifetime.

3. Don’t Put Your Relationship on Pause

It’s easy to get so wrapped up in planning the wedding that you forget to nurture your relationship. Date nights, quality time, and acts of love shouldn’t stop just because you’re engaged.

Why It Matters: The engagement period is still a time to strengthen your bond and prepare emotionally for marriage.

4. Don’t Avoid Addressing Red Flags

Engagement isn’t the time to sweep issues under the rug or hope they’ll resolve themselves. If there are lingering doubts, unresolved conflicts, or patterns of unhealthy behavior, they need to be addressed now.

What to Do: Seek professional help, like premarital counseling, if needed. Addressing concerns early can save your marriage later.

5. Don’t Compare Your Relationship to Others

Social media and other couples’ stories can make you feel like your engagement isn’t as "perfect" as it should be. Constantly comparing your journey to others’ can breed dissatisfaction and unnecessary pressure.

Pro Tip: Focus on what works for you and your partner. Every relationship is unique, and perfection is an illusion.

6. Don’t Neglect Self-Care

With so much focus on the wedding, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself. Neglecting your physical and emotional well-being can lead to burnout and resentment.

What to Do: Make time for relaxation, exercise, and activities that bring you joy. A healthy you is essential for a healthy partnership.

7. Don’t Let External Opinions Dictate Your Decisions

Friends and family often have strong opinions about wedding plans, marriage, and even your choice of partner. While their input may be well-intentioned, letting it overshadow your own desires and values can create conflict.

Why It Matters: This is your relationship and your life. Prioritize decisions that align with your shared vision as a couple.

Stay Focused on What Truly Matters

Engagement is a time to prepare for your marriage, not just your wedding. By avoiding these seven pitfalls, you can ensure this period strengthens your relationship and sets the stage for a successful partnership. Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to have a beautiful wedding day, but to build a lifetime of love and happiness together.