• What are our expectations of marriage?
• What will be different once we get married?
• What do we each bring to the relationship?
• Where will we live?
• How will we work out our finances?
• Do we want to have children?
• If you do want children, how many do you want and when do you want to have them?
• Do we have similar values and beliefs?
• If we have differences, are we able to work through them together?

Relationships can be a fulfilling and exciting experience. Our relationships are an important part of life, whether they are relationships with our family, friends or partner. But relationships don’t just happen – healthy relationships require time and energy from both partners. Many people aren’t aware that there are practical skills we can learn to develop and further strengthen our relationships.

Relationships grow and change over time, so its important that we have the skills to be able to keep our relationships happy and healthy.

What makes a healthy relationship?

• According to research one of the most important things in a relationship is friendship
• A willingness to talk through things, to share openly with each other to have a safe way to share positive and negative feelings with each other
• Showing interest in how your partner is feeling, what they are concerned about and their dreams for the future
• Taking responsibility for your own actions and feelings and encouraging your partner to do the same
• People need to be able to have fun in a relationship
• Understanding each other’s expectations of the relationship – where do each of you want the relationship to go
• Knowing and understanding yourself and what you can bring to the relationship – what can I offer?
• What does your partner bring to the relationship? Good and not so good baggage
• Knowing that you are not responsible for your partner’s happiness and that you are responsible for your own happiness

* Source: Australian Government 'Information on relationships'


Where can we take you?