There are some people who are in serious relationships who still think about being with other people. How do you know? They flirt in public. They DM exes in private.

A part of them is always wondering if they are missing out by being in a committed relationship. If there is any part of you, AT ALL, that feels this

way, it’s not time to get married. We don’t care how much you may love your man, if he’s not the ONLY ONE you want to spend the rest of

your life with, do him and you a favor and wait. (Do him a bigger favor and consider breaking the relationship off if he’s ready to make things permanent and

you’re not even close.)

Have you ever heard someone say “Get married because you’re ready, not because you’re lonely”? Please take that advice. It’s a lifesaver! Marriage is far too serious to go into

lightly. And besides, if you’re getting married expecting another human being to fill your voids and “be your everything”, you’re in for a rude awakening and many disappointments. Contrary to

what the chick flicks may tell you, marriage is not designed to complete you. It’s to complement you. You shouldn’t feel like marriage increases your value. It simply adds to

the awesomeness that you already had when you were single.

This one is BIG. We’ve watched a lot of women put their life on hold because they don’t want to get married until they have a huge rock on their

hand. Bustle recently did an article on an engagement rings. A line in it said “It’s kind of crazy how much people are spending on engagement rings these

days.” We agree (the average is around five grand, by the way). Not to say you shouldn’t get what you want, but really. SHOULDN’T YOUR MAN BE THE PRIZE?! If

he can’t marry you unless he’s putting the cost of a car on your ring finger, reevaluate your priorities. For his sake more than even your own.

Most weddings cost thousands of dollars. Thousands for one day. And many of those couples don’t even last five years? What’s their ROI (Return On Investment)? Someone once said that

the main reason why weddings seem to go off without a hitch while marriages fail is people devote more time into planning for their special day rather than their lifetime

together. A couple who is more excited about their marriage than their wedding is a couple who has a real shot at lasting a really long time.

Lifehack once published an article with this title: “15 Reasons Why Your Partner Should Be Your Best Friend”. Not everyone agrees with this fact, but we do. Being

best friends with your spouse can make it so much easier to get through the tough times. Ask any couple who’s been married past their newlywed years and they’ll vouch

for the fact that being “in like” can help you when you’re not really “in love”. Something to think about before saying “I do”.

Oh, and thanks Ariel for reminding

us what matters most. Congrats to you!!!