Having kids vs. no kids
Life with extended families
In long-term relationships, whether married or not, extended families often play a big role. Though every family is different, it can be worthwhile to talk about how you plan to integrate and handle any specific family dynamics.
Deciding where to spend holidays*
Splitting the holidays between families can be complicated and a source of stress, but it doesn’t have to be. Ideally, you'd see all of your loved ones on every holiday—but that's not always possible or practical. To determine how to divide the seasons, communicate honestly and be open to compromise. Consider devoting specific holidays to each family or rotating each year. You could also connect with loved ones through video chat, or create your own celebrations and traditions.
Taking care of family members in need
It's almost certain that one or both families may have members who need extra care and attention at some time.
Caregiving for an elderly or ill family member, taking in a family member who needs help, or providing financial support to family can cause stress in your relationship. Talk about decisions and support each other through difficult times. Communicating and working as a team is important in daily life but becomes critical to getting through challenging situations.
It can make sense to talk about common scenarios, like caregiving for parents, to make sure you’re generally in agreement about the level of help and support you can both offer.