Here’s the scenario: he takes you to an exclusive resort for a candlelit dinner, with violinists playing you’re favorite love songs. Then, the music stops and he pops the question, “Will you marry me?” You stare at him starry-eyed, all too eager to say “yes”, but wait! Is he really the one? Is it really time to tie the knot? Sure, you’re head over heels in love with each other, but is that enough to make the wedding bells ring?

The Importance of Knowing When to Get Married

Duh? Who needs to know when to get married anyway? Don’t you just want to be swept away by your knight in shining armor and forget the travails of this world with just one smile, one kiss, one embrace? Sure, if you’re one of the Disney princesses. But this is reality and you’re living in the real world, where heartaches and divorce are just lurking around the corner.

So it’s time to get real. Forget the violins, the sumptuous dinner and the beautiful resort. Gather your senses and consider these nine points on when to get married.

It’s time to get married when:

1. You’ve had your share of dates

How would you know that he’s the one if you don’t have anyone else to compare him with? Yes, your mom was right. You’ve got to collect and collect and then select. Now, if you’ve done so, and find that the man facing you is the shiniest, most precious diamond of all, then go get hitched.

2. You know him fully well

It may be too rude to ask him for his resume, but don’t you think you should know more about him other than tacos are his favorite snacks? Give it time and get to know more about him, his family and friends, his financial status (well, he must have some sort of a job, right?). Once you no longer have to fill in the blanks, then yes, you can consider tying the knot.

3. You’re on the same page

Let’s say he keeps on implying that stay-at-home moms make better wives but you think otherwise. Tying the knot with this sort of guy may lead to a lot of frustration and disappointments. Go search somebody who feels and thinks more like you to avoid future clashes.

4. He can make you laugh

Marriage is a tough relationship. Does he have enough humor to make you smile during the most trying days of your life?

5. It’s not all about lust

Sure, sex is one of the foundations of a healthy relationship, but it’s not the end all and the be all. If you love and care for each other in and out of bed, then he just might be the one.

6. You’re not just afraid to be alone

Make sure that you’re saying yes for all the right reasons, not just to end your lonely nights alone. Otherwise, you might end up with more than you bargained for.

7. You can understand each others’ uniqueness

It’s common knowledge that men and women perceive things differently. If you can go beyond each others’ quirkiness (he loves to put catsup in his soup; you love to listen to hard rock at full volume), then you might consider asking each other when to get married.

8. You both get along with your respective family and friends

You parents adore him, his siblings treat you like a friend; sure, you get to have the last say on when to get married, but seriously, isn’t it good enough to know that you won’t have issues with your in-laws in the long run?

9. You can be great friends

Marriage is not all sex and love, honey. When the going gets tough, or when you’re too old for smooching, all you need is a friend, a companion to hold your hand, to guide you through the most difficult times in your life or simply to give you a pat on the back for a job well done. Is that him?

If you said yes to all the questions above, then maybe he’s really the one worthy of sharing your lifetime with. Yes, it’s time to commit yourself and talk about when to get married with the man who simply loves you for all that you are.