Planning your wedding? Marriage is one of the biggest commitments you’ll ever make. And it’s not just about saying “I do.” It’s also about saying “yes, please” to love, companionship, growth, support, family, and so much more.
But make no mistake, marriage isn’t all sunshine and roses. You also have to be willing to make sacrifices, have patience, and put in some hard work.
So before you take the plunge, it’s crucial to get to know yourself as a woman, build your independence, and create a solid foundation that empowers you to walk into marriage with confidence—not codependency.
Being single isn’t a holding pattern for marriage. It’s a time to explore life, discover who you are, and figure out what you want.
As a woman, there are 11 things you must do before you say “I do” to the man of your dreams.
11 Things Every Single Woman Should Do Before Marriage
1. Learn to Love Your Own Company
You will spend a lot of time with your future husband, but it’s just as important to learn how to be comfortable with your own company. Plan solo dates with yourself, go on a solo vacation, spend time writing in a journal, or simply relax at home without any distractions.
Getting comfortable being alone teaches self-sufficiency so that you don’t expect your spouse to “complete” you in any way.
Related: 9 Things Married Women Secretly Miss About Being Single
2. Become Financially Independent
Financial issues are the top reason for stress and fights in marriages. Before you walk down the aisle, it’s essential that every woman learns how to handle her own money. Manage your own accounts, pay your own bills, and save and invest for the future. Build your own financial safety net.
Financial independence boosts confidence, eliminates dependency, and allows you to enter marriage as an equal partner instead of a financially-dependent spouse.
3. Travel and Explore
Traveling the world (or at least someplace new) builds your mind, resilience, and widens your perspective on life. If you’re serious about getting married, a great way to build anticipation and excitement is by taking time to go out and explore.
You don’t have to go all the way to Thailand. Backpacking with friends or taking a weekend trip out of state is all you need. Discovering new places before marriage is a great way to build excitement and live your life to the fullest.
Related: 5 Reasons Why You Are Still Single By Now
4. Establish Boundaries and Standards
Marriage is one of the easiest ways to get lost and forget who you are as a person. To stay strong and focused before getting married, you must establish and stick to clear boundaries and standards. Know what you will and won’t accept in a relationship.
From respect, communication, and financial expectations to intimacy and personal space, the clearer you are, the less chance you’ll have of wavering on the things that matter.
5. Build a Supportive Community
Your husband will become your best friend and partner, but he should never be your only source of companionship. Invest time and energy in growing your friendships, family relationships, and connections to your community before marriage.
It’s essential to have friends and mentors you can turn to outside of your partner. This is especially important for women. An independent support network is key to a healthy emotional life and a strong marriage.
Related: 50 Being Single Quotes to keep you happy
6. Pursue Education and Career Goals
Marriage is a beautiful part of life, but it shouldn’t be an excuse to stop pursuing your dreams. Before you get married, be intentional about building your education or advancing in your career.
Finish school, open your own business, start climbing the corporate ladder, or invest in your passion and hobby. Having purpose and a career gives you a sense of fulfillment that you can share with your spouse.
7. Heal From Past Relationships
Your past can easily sneak into your new marriage if you don’t have a chance to heal before getting married. If you were in a long-term relationship before, take the time to go through your feelings and come to terms with the past.
Forgive yourself, seek therapy, journal, meditate, or simply give yourself time to grieve. Healing allows you to build your marriage on a clean slate and stay focused on the present and future.
8. Learn Practical Life Skills
Every woman should know how to take care of herself before marriage, and that includes handling the basics of life. Cooking your own meals, taking care of bills, doing home repairs, or even negotiating your own contracts at work are all valuable skills.
The more self-sufficient you are, the more confident and secure you will feel as a wife.
9. Define What Marriage Looks Like For You
Marriage is different for everyone. In fact, each marriage is as unique as the people within it. Don’t be afraid to ask yourself, and even discuss with your partner, what you want your marriage to look like.
Do you want traditional roles, shared responsibilities, or something entirely new? Finding your values and making them a priority before marriage ensures you find a partner who shares your vision.
10. Enjoy Your Freedom Fully
The single years are a precious time of freedom in a woman’s life. Stay out late with your friends, pick up new hobbies, take risks, and explore yourself without limits. Enjoy this stage of life and make the most of it while it lasts.
This is your time to be carefree and learn what it means to live as an independent woman.
11. Build Unshakable Self-Worth
The most important thing you can do before you get married is to recognize and value your self-worth. It’s not easy with all the noise and chaos of life around you, but every woman must understand that your value doesn’t come from having a husband, being a certain way, or meeting anyone’s expectations.
Your worth is inherent and undeniable because you’re a valuable human being. When you have unshakable self-worth, you don’t settle for less than you deserve, and you bring this confidence and inner strength into your marriage.
Final Thoughts
The best marriages are never rushed or entered into because of societal pressures. The single years are a gift and an opportunity to prepare for marriage, grow as a woman, and become the best version of yourself.
Do the inner and outer work of preparing, and when you find love, you will be ready to build a marriage that’s based on love, respect, and mutual growth. So whether you’re already engaged or years from marriage, remember: your single years belong to you. Live them well, and walk into your future without regrets.
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