As a married couple, you will make many decisions throughout your marriage. Make sure that these decisions are mutual decisions.
Here's how to make mutual decisions.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: varies
Here's How:
- If spirituality is part of your relationship, pray together for guidance as you make your decision.
- Gather facts and information. You can do this both individually and as a couple. Share what you find with each other.
- Seek input from friends, family and experts.
- Don't focus on only one option. Look at several options that may be available to you.
- Talk with one another about the pros and cons of the decision you are about to make.
- Make sure the decision is a decision that you can both live with.
- Examine your values and ideals and compare your lists with each other.
- Both of you should take responsibility for the decision. Don't play the blame game later if the consequences of the decision are negative.
- Make a commitment to revisit the decision you made at a later time and to reevaluate it.
Tips:
- If it doesn't work out as you planned, don't blame one another or say 'I told you so!'
- Set a date for the reevaluation.
- It's okay to admit that a decision needs to be reversed.
What You Need:
- Agreement that a decision needs to be made.
- Information.
- Time to talk with one another about the decision.
- Willingness to reevaluate the decision.
- Acceptance of the consequences of your decision.
