Extended family

Hi and welcome to PreMarital Counseling. One of the topics we can discuss in our sessions together is the role of your extended family in your upcoming marriage.

Usually there is extensive family involvement during the wedding phase but after that you may want a different level of involvement with your extended family and relatives.

Do you get along with your family or your fiancés parents or their siblings?

How much time do you want to spend with them once you're married?

How much emotional or financial involvement will you feel comfortable with as time goes by? How about after children arrive?

Are you and your fiancé on the same page about this?

In Premarital Counseling we can discuss this, if you like, and I will help you come to an agreement and get on the same page going forward.

Friends ...Yours ... Mine ...Ours

Well, this is often a hot topic in marriage!  Everyone needs friends; it’s a treasure to have old friends who knew you when.  Your future spouse, however, may see it differently.

Things to think about

Do you share friends in common with your fiancé?

What about spending time with friends after marriage?

Will you be comfortable if your spouse hangs with friends without you there?

Is there that one friend that you just don't like?

Is there a previous love interest that is now “just a really good friend?”

How much are you willing to share your future spouse with their friends?

What about making new friends that you don't share as a Couple?

Do you feel that after marriage all new friends should be friends of both of you?

What PreMarital Counseling can do for you

There are many variations on topic and the only right answer is what works for you, what makes you both feel safe and happy in the marriage.

If you are unresolved about the topic of outside friends and extended family we can discuss it together in your Premarital Counseling sessions. Just let me know.

Email is the quickest way to reach me.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards,

Laressa Desmond PhD

CPC CA LMFT

Laressa Desmond, PhD, LMFT