The Marriage Plan

Each partner should answer these questions separately and then discuss them their partner. Take time
to communicate about each of these topics and others that arise from this activity.

Part I - Relationship Goals

List the reason(s) that you are together.

Identify the long-term goals for this relationship.

Identify the short-term goals for this relationship.

Where would you like to see this relationship in the next 5 years? 10 -15 years? 20+ years?

How often will you track your progress toward these goals?

How will you determine the success or areas of improvement in your progress toward these
goals?

Part II-Defining Personal Expectations

What are your personal boundaries? (Acceptable behaviors, unacceptable behaviors & deal
breakers)

What level of emotional support do you need from your partner?

Specifically, what can your partner do to support you?

What sort of sex life do you want to occur in this relationship? (How often, what kind, any
fantasies)

©2010 Eboni J. Baugh

All rights reserved.
Part III-Relationship Issues

How will you handle outside influences on your relationship? (In-laws/family, children, exes,
friends)

Financial obligations/responsibilities
Who is responsible for the financial obligations/responsibilities in this relationship?

How will you handle changes (positive or negative) to your financial status?

Parenting
What parenting techniques do you plan to use with children? Do you not plan to use?

How will you handle the discipline of children?

Spirituality/Religion
How important is spirituality/religion to your relationship?

Friendship
What activities will you plan to continue dating and working on your friendship?

How will you plan time to discuss and work on your relationship?

Stress
How will you deal with grief/loss?

How will you deal with family separation due to military deployment, illness,
incarceration, travel, job, etc.?

How do you plan to balance individuality vs. couple/family?

What resources will you seek during times of distress?

©2010 Eboni J. Baugh

All rights reserved.