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Issue Date: December 30, 2001
Ready for marriage?
WALK DOWN the aisle ... or walk away? How do you know?
Why am I talking about weddings around January instead of June? For one thing, New Year's Eve is second only to Valentine's Day for getting engaged. For another, when a special six-episode season of HBO's Sex and the City starts next Sunday, we'll find out how Carrie deals with her new betrothed status. Then, there's the fact that yours truly (Manhattan's other relationship columnist) accepted her own proposal this year.
With so many of us pondering marriage, I thought some prenuptial advice would be helpful. After talking to several experts, including couples who've been happily married for a long time, I've come up with a list of things to consider before you make the Big Leap:
Have you spent lots of time together? The more you do, the more you'll learn about how your intended reacts in life's difficult situations. Also, get to know each other's close friends; they're a huge indicator of what someone is really like.
Do you know each other's goals, values and beliefs? If not, now is the time to discuss a list of no-compromise issues. In addition to sex, religion, children and money, don't forget such hot-button topics as household chores.
Are the people close to you happy about your relationship? If they can best describe it as loving, honest and supportive, you're on the right track.
Bonus tip for Carrie wanna-bes: Don't let fabulous finger hardware make you forget that engagement is a statement of commitment, not fashion.
Will Carrie and I live happily ever after? You'll just have to keep up with my column and Sex and the City to find out. Happy 2002!
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