what should you know about your partner before getting married??

How they handle money, their childhood and how they feel about raising children, but really we should know quite a bit about them before making such a big step. I want to know also if they are divorced and how they take blame for their mistakes and don't blame everyone else for their's.....................

There are a lot of things that are important but all to many fights in long term marriages derive from not knowing before hand where to divide the responsibilities. I would ask questions like what would your expectations be of me when it comes to household duties, in raising children, and in helping to support the family. How many children they would like to have and if they are willing to compromise if it isn't the same answer as yours. What their views are on fidelity and what are the boundaries. Ask them questions about their opinions on child rearing and discipline and look into how there were raised as that plays a big factor on how they may do things. How much time they are willing to devote to family life and their career or work, and what their morals, values and religious backgrounds are to see a if you are on the same page. How sexual the person is and how often they would like sex as well as how they show their emotions are also good to discuss as they turn out to be very important in keeping a marriage together.

And another important factor is how do they argue so that you can learn when to back of and give the person some space if needed or deal with the issues head on.

A lot comes down to compromising without loosing too much of yourself.

Everything! If you going to spend the rest of your life with this person, you should know what kind of life they have lived up to this point. Remember everyone has baggage. Ask yourself how much are you willing to put up with. Your partner should do the same for you. This will determine whether or not the marriage should begin and how long it will last. Good Luck!

You should know his background and history in terms of his education, upbringing, family relationships, job history, how he treats others and his values. Character is the most important thing to look for. Is is kind, honest, reliable, mature? Is he stable, dependable, and ready for marriage? Words mean nothing unless backed up by action. Looks come and go, but you want someone who will be there through thick and thin. Many couples today get pre-marital counseling through their churches or privately. Good luck, dear. ladygrace

i think you should find out how he would discipline your children. For me this is a clincher...

About the sexual partners, sometimes it may hurt more knowing than not knowing.

And he definitely has to be sexually compatible.

i need 2 personally meet his whole family & get 2 know my in-laws

i need 2 ensure that he's single & w/o a child from one of his ex's

i need 2 know if he's mentally fit 2 get married

i need 2 know if he wants 2 have children someday

i need 2 know if it'll b ok w/him if my dad can live w/us

Everything

whether they want kids

where they'd like to live

HOW they'd like to live, i.e. are they a driven workaholic type who wants to pursue wealth? or a simple lifestyle type who just wants to get by?

any sexual kinks they may have

their views on big issues: politics, spirituality, etc.

If they love you, and you should know if you love your partner.

(Everything else is managable so long as love is there).

Whatever it is...take at least 3 years to find out.