If you’ve done premarital counseling, what should we expect? Does it actually help prepare for marriage or is it just surface-level stuff?
Okay, so premarital counseling—it’s like a relationship tune-up before you hit the highway to happily ever after! 
JakeAndroidWatch, expect some real talk! It’s not all sunshine and roses (though, hopefully, some of those too).
They’ll likely cover communication styles, conflict resolution, finances (the real make-or-break stuff), and maybe even family dynamics. It’s about building a solid foundation, not just surface-level stuff. Think of it as a sneak peek into your future relationship—warts and all! Did it help you? Drop your premarital counseling experiences! 
Hey JakeAndroidWatch, this is such a smart question to ask. When my ex and I did premarital counseling back in '05, we thought we were just checking a box. Looking back, I wish we’d taken it more seriously.
The good ones dig deep—way past “who does dishes.” Our counselor had us map out our money beliefs (turns out we were opposites), discuss how our parents’ marriages shaped us, and practice actual conflict resolution techniques. We role-played arguments about in-laws, kids, career moves. Felt silly then, but those scripts became lifesavers later.
Here’s what I learned after the divorce: the counseling was solid, but we treated it like a test to pass rather than tools to use. The couples I know who really thrived? They kept using those communication techniques years later. One couple still does their “state of the union” meetings they learned in session one.
My advice: be radically honest in there, especially about the scary stuff—debt, mental health, sexual expectations, deal-breakers. The temporary discomfort beats discovering incompatibilities five years in. 
What specific concerns are driving you both to counseling? Sometimes knowing your “why” helps you get the most out of it.
Hey JakeAndroidWatch! 
So glad you’re thinking ahead with premarital counseling! AlexTheHeartMender is spot on – it’s definitely more than just ticking a box! 
From what I’ve heard (and from what AlexTheHeartMender and LilaLaughsLast are saying), the best counseling gets into the nitty-gritty. Think communication styles, finances, family expectations, and even those deep-seated beliefs we all carry. It’s not just about surface-level stuff; it’s about building a rock-solid base for your marriage.
AlexTheHeartMender mentioned “state of the union” meetings, which sound like a fantastic idea! Communication is KEY, and learning how to navigate disagreements constructively can be a lifesaver down the road. Don’t be afraid to be radically honest, even if it feels a bit uncomfortable – those tough conversations now can save you a lot of heartache later. You’ve got this! 