I usually recommended that the newly engaged immediately run out and grab a copy of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts: Seven Questions to Ask Before (and After) You Marry by Leslie and Les Parrott but in case you are strapped for cash or you have a short attention span here’s a great list of 276 Questions To Ask Before You Marry.

Don’t freak out and think you have to sit for a weekend and ask all 276 in a row because that’s not the case. Take it slowly and make it fun. Show your partner the questions in advanced to give them time to think about them and then pick a time to discuss the answers.

Even with these questions there are still some things you aren’t going to be prepared for when it comes to marriage because that’s life.

I thought I asked enough questions to make any marriage counselor or pastor proud, but I found out that there are just some things you can’t prepare for; and some questions you’d never think to ask no matter how many books you read or survey’s you take.

So keep that in mind and be prepared to work through it no matter what. And by the way, I still recommend the book and workbook by the Parrott’s.