A proposal signifies the start of a shared life, but discussing significant issues before engagement is crucial. Waiting until engagement to address such topics can lead to unexpected differences. Couples should communicate about essential aspects like parenting and their childhood experiences to avoid potential conflicts later. Spending time with children can foster conversations about parenting styles and handling stress related to parenting, which can be beneficial for future planning and decision-making.
"When you start to feel serious about one another, it's time to start talking about those things," Bejar said. "You want to make sure that you're not just on the same page about life in the moment that you're meeting."
Bejar recommends asking, "How many? What are your views on parenting? How were you parented? What were your experiences being parented?"
"Breaking off an engagement feels different than breaking up for a non-engaged couple," she added.
"If you have a sibling or a friend with kids and they need some time away and they trust you with their kids, spend some time with them," she said.
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