It's Wedding Season and time to Prepare for Your Marriage: TIPS FOR A STRONG FOUNDATION

Congratulations! You’ve found the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, and now it’s time to prepare for the journey of marriage. While planning the wedding may seem like the most immediate task at hand, it’s equally important to invest time and effort into preparing for the lifelong commitment ahead Here are some tips to help you build a strong foundation for your marriage:

Communication is Key: Start practicing open and honest communication with your partner

Talk about your values, expectations, and goals for the future. Discuss how you envision your roles within the marriage and how you plan to handle conflicts when they arise

Financial Planning: Money matters can be a significant source of stress in a marriage. Take the time to discuss your financial goals, spending habits, and how you plan to manage your finances together Consider meeting with a financial advisor to create a budget and plan for long-term financial stability.

Pre-Marital Counseling: Consider attending pre-marital counseling sessions with a licensed therapist or counselor. These sessions can help you explore important topics such as communication, conflict resolution, and intimacy, and provide you with tools to navigate challenges in your marriage.

Set Boundaries: Establishing boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship

Discuss boundaries with your partner regarding personal space, time spent with friends and family, and expectations around household responsibilities.

Quality Time Together: Make time for each other amidst the chaos of wedding planning. Schedule regular date nights and activities that allow you to connect and strengthen your bond Remember to prioritize your relationship and nurture it even after you say, “I do ” from Others: Seek advice from happily married couples who have been together for many years. Ask them about the challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve overcome them Their wisdom and experiences can provide valuable insights into what it takes to build a lasting marriage.

Self-Care: Don’t forget to take care of yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations Prioritize your physical and mental well-being by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and practicing self-care activities that help you relax and unwind

Keep the Romance Alive: Marriage is not just about companionship; it’s also about romance and intimacy. Keep the spark alive by expressing your love and affection for each other regularly Surprise each other with thoughtful gestures and never stop dating each other

Flexibility and Adaptability: Understand that marriage is a journey filled with ups and downs Be prepared to adapt to changes and challenges as they arise Approach problems as a team and work together to find solutions that strengthen your relationship.

Celebrate Your Love: Amidst all the planning and preparation, don’t forget to celebrate your love for each other. Take moments to cherish the journey you’ve embarked upon together and look forward to building a future filled with love, laughter, and happiness.

Remember, marriage is a lifelong commitment that requires dedication, patience, and effort from both partners. By investing time and energy into preparing for your marriage, you can build a strong foundation that will support you through the joys and challenges that lie ahead. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness together!

Dr. Chris Scott Relationship Expert

"The beautiful spring came, and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also." --------- Harriet Ann Jacobs Welcome Spring!

•5-LOOK:Lookaroundfor5thingsthatyoucan see,andsaythemoutloud.

•4-FEEL:Payattentiontoyourbodyandthink of4thingsthatyoucanfeel,andsaythemout loud.

•3-LISTEN:Listenfor3sounds.Itcouldbethe soundoftrafficoutside,thesoundoftypingor thesoundofyourtummyrumbling.Saythethree thingsoutloud.

•2-SMELL:Saytwothingsyoucansmell.If you’reallowedto,it’sokaytomovetoanother spotandsniffsomething.Ifyoucan’tsmell anythingatthemomentoryoucan’tmove,then nameyour2favoritesmells.

•1-TASTE:Sayonethingyoucantaste.Itmay bethetoothpastefrombrushingyourteeth,ora mintfromafterlunch.Ifyoucan’ttasteanything, thensayyourfavoritethingtotaste.

1. Try something new. This can range from simple to adventurous. For example, you can try a new recipe or restaurant, or visit a new city.

2 Connect with positive friends and family Positive social interaction has been proven to lighten your mood and make you feel happier It is also good for your brain health

3 time relaxing and meditating Get started by setting aside 1 to 5 minutes at the beginning of the day Spend the time focusing on deep breathing, thoughts of gratitude, and/or positive affirmations Continue and grow your meditation moments to last for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day

4. Be intentional and get active. Take a walk outside, go for a run, or swim. Dance to your favorite song (or take new dance lessons) or try yoga/stretching.

5. Make healthier nutritional and dietary choices. Several nutritional deficiencies can cause symptoms of low mood, fatigue, and irritability. Thus, a healthy, well-balanced diet can help us think clearly and feel more alert It can also improve concentration and attention span

submittedbyDr.KeniaJ.Lewis, Ph.D.

LicensedPsychologist SweetwaterPsychological Associates,LLC 870CrestmarkDr.Ste.200,Lithia Springs,GA30122 770-732-0982(o),770-732-1283(f)