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You're past the infatuation period -

It's crucial to be past the honeymoon stage before you commit to getting married. This phase is a period that can last from a few months to more than a year. Make sure you've had at least your first fight before saying "I do."

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You're emotionally mature enough to navigate fights -

If you and your partner are constantly fighting or have fights that leave you consistently drained, hurt, and angry, you might not be ready to tie the knot. Make sure you all are emotionally intelligent enough to sit and talk in a calm and collected way.

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You can be vulnerable with each other -

Vulnerability is about sharing feelings with each other. It's about verbalizing our darkest fears and happiest dreams. Before getting married, make sure you and your loved one can talk through things like insecurities.

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You have the same core goals and values in life -

Having the same goals and values can be a deal breaker for some. You two should talk about how you envision your future. Do you want to have children together? What do you value politically? And everything in between.

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You have a genuine desire to grow together -

It's not that you have to have your whole life figured out before getting married, but knowing this is the person you want to figure it all out with is important.

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You truly know each other -

Knowing and accepting someone for who they are (not who you want them to be) is a huge step needed before marriage. You should be aware of your partner's strengths and weaknesses and love them regardless.

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You trust your partner -

Marriage can be, and often is, very challenging. It's important that before you move forward, you implicitly trust one another. There are bound to be situations that will test the strength of your marriage, and without trust, it will never work.

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You don't have any assumptions about shared goals -

Assuming anything is a good way to end up hurt or, in the worst-case scenario, divorced. From the get-go, take time to discuss your goals and never assume anything from a partner

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You feel safe with them -

Feeling safe and secure with your partner long before the wedding will help in the long run. Do you feel like you can be your authentic self around this person? If not, why? And be sure to think twice before a life-long commitment. 

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You have seen hard times -

While good times can be great, its important to face bad times together before saying "I do." How your partner handles problems or conflicts can say so much about them.

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You want a marriage not a wedding -

Weddings can be lots of fun and exciting events to plan and host. However, check in with yourself and be honest: is it a wedding you want or a marriage? Because they are two very different things!

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Your family likes your partner -

While your input is the most important, if you're close with your family and value their opinion, pay special attention to what they think of your partner. If they have serious doubts or can show examples from an outsider's perspective, weigh these up.

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You've shared a good laugh in the past week -

A sense of humor is important for a thriving relationship. As a couple, you will see challenging times, and if you can't laugh together, then the bad times will likely be worse.

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You like your partner -

You can love someone and not like them very much. Be sure you actually like your partner as a person in general and specifically as a significant other.

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You can afford to get married -

Saying yes to the dress (or tux) and to a wedding is far from cheap. Even if you do a 'simple' courthouse wedding, there can be associated fees. It's better to wait patiently until you can afford a wedding of your choosing.

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You talk openly about the future -

Check in with yourself and see if you are willing and able to discuss the future with your significant other. Additionally, are they willing and able? The ability to talk about the future is a key ingredient to a successful marriage.

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You like who you are around them -

How do you feel and act around your partner? Are you happy and even proud of who you are around them? Do they push you to be the best version of yourself, or do they constantly hold you back?

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You both put effort into the relationship -

Relationships, namely marriages, are a two-way street. It takes two whole, emotionally intelligent individuals to make it work. It also takes both people putting in effort. Before getting married, think about if you're equally contributing.

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You have your own lives -

You shouldn't be codependent on your spouse. Each person in the relationship should have their own flourishing life. You should be two complete people who choose to come together because it elevates you.

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You can talk about finances -

Money matters. Not being able to talk about finances can truly drive couples apart. Money, for better or for worse, makes the world turn around, and avoiding the discussion won't make it go away. Marry someone you can talk to about finances.

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You’re doing it for the right reasons -

Before you go forward with marriage, do a quick self-check-in. Are you marrying this person because you truly love them and want a life together, or are there other reasons?  If you are confident you have the right intentions in your heart, then you may be ready for a marriage.

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You’re in it for the long haul -

Ask yourself, do you see this marriage lasting? Marriage can last for a lifetime, so being sure you see and belive in its potential is important.

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You can't imagine your life without them in it -

If you feel comfortable no longer searching, even knowing that there may be someone smarter, richer, or otherwise out there, then you may be ready to say, "I do." If you truly want this specific person in your life and are willing to legally commit to them, that says a lot.

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How to start talking about marriage -

If you get to the point of confidently being able to say, "Yes, I'm ready for a marriage," then it's important to have this discussion with your loved one. The following three slides provide tips on how to do just this.

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Choose the right time -

This is a serious discussion so timing is everything. Be cognizant of things like the time of day, each person's mood, and the time you have available for a talk.

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Be clear about what you want -

This is not the time to be unsure, coy, vague, or otherwise. This can be one of the most important decisions in your life. Speak clearly and confidently about what you do or don't want.

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Practice active listening -

A conversation about potentially the rest of your life is very serious. While you may have a lot to voice, be sure to also focus on active listening. If need be, rephrase and ask for clarity or ask your partner to repeat something unclear.

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What not to say when discussing marriage: comparison game -

Playing the comparison game is a surefire way to get nowhere fast. For example, if John and Suzy got married after only six months, bringing them into the conversation about you and your partner and your timeline is irrelevant.

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Dont give an ultimatum -

If you give or receive an ultimatum, chances are, you aren't ready for marriage. If both parties aren't able and willing to commit on their own accord or free will, pushing or forcing them won't benefit anyone.
Sources: (Brides) (Business Insider)
See also: Proven strategies to boost motivation and achieve  your goals

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