5 things to do before marriage

It seems like every time I turn on the TV or get my mail I am learning about another upcoming marriage. I figured although I am not within a 6 or even 12 month range of getting married, its always good to get marriage and dating advice from friends who have done it already. 


One of my best friends, who has not been married for two years, offered a piece of advice for me (obviously for the future).  She says that in order to test if someone is marriage material and if you are both ready for marriage you must go through 5 things together as a couple. 

1. You must go through one or both of you being really sick: And by this she doesn't mean allergies or a cold.  You must experience that kind of sickness where you hide from the world because your bedroom is overflowing with used kleenexs, you are running toward the bathroom to spill your guts from the last meal, almost heading to the hospital sort of sick.  

2. You must have one really big fight: Arguing over which TV show to watch does not count.  This fight has to be really big, like doors slamming, voices raised, maybe even something plastic being thrown at the ground, followed by either a few days of silence and a make up or just immediate passionate sex!

3. Two words...ROAD TRIP:  Driving to a football game and being stuck in rush hour traffic doesn't count.  Yes, it will show you a lot about patience during a stressful situation, but to really test your love and communication, the two should take a real Road Trip.  Pack up the car, either staying in a tent or cheap hotels along the way, load up the ipod with great tunes (that you will both love...hey he might love the Spice Girls) and take an adventure together.  Whether it be a weekend, a week or a month...just take the trip together.


4. Share a bedroom together for 1 week: I am not necessarily condoning premartial sex, nor am I saying that you should be a prude, but living with someone in the same room for one week is a great amount of time to learn about each other.  From each other's toilet ettiquette to bedroom behavior you will see a snippet of your future with this partner.  Sharing the bed for one night can be misleading, which is why the week long vacation together is mandatory. I still laugh when my girlfriends tell me about their husbands blowing their noses in the shower or leaving boogers and nail clippings by the bed.  Boys will be boys. 

5. Spending the holidays with the future in-laws: Why wait for all of the family fun after the wedding.  Learning about your in-laws and future family quarks before the wedding is crucial.  Its good to know what you are getting yourself into, not just with him, but with his family.  


I am sure there are many more things you can think of that would be wise for a couple to do before walking down the aisle.  What would you say are things a couple should go through before tying the knot?