Being engaged can feel like floating in a cloud. A sweet romantic feeling wraps you and makes you think that yes, you and your future spouse can take on the world. But before you launch into another snugglefest, understand that marriage is not all about romance. Here are 10 real-life marriage situations you need to consider:

1. What if you can’t have children? Many couples will dream about having kids and the issue is more on how many. But what if you can’t have children naturally? Will you consider medically-assisted means of conception or adoption? The presence or absence of children will affect your expectations of marriage. Will your marriage feel incomplete if having children is not possible?
2. What if either one loses his or her job? This question will prompt you to examine the way you handle money and how you plan to face any major financial set backs. [Here are some secrets of financially-savvy couples]
3. What if either one becomes handicapped or terminally ill? This will make you think about how financially prepared you are to face emergencies. More importantly, it will challenge you to think about how you will cope with the situation physically and emotionally.
4. What if either one meets an untimely death? Engagement or the early years of marriage may seem like an inappropriate time to talk about death. But consider preparing a will. The last thing you want to do is leave your significant other confused and without any form of financial support.
5. What if either one needs to relocate? Perhaps one of you will need to be assigned to a different state or country. Will you consider being separated for long periods of time? How will you and your family adjust to a new culture?
6. What if you need to make a major lifestyle change? Perhaps a financial crisis will prompt you to move to a smaller house and cut down on costs. Perhaps an ailing parent will need to move in with you. Or it could be as simple as a medical condition altering your family’s diet.
7. What if you can’t agree on a major purchase or financial decision? Money is often the root of many marital conflicts. You need to talk over and agree on what would be extravagant purchases, or even when to say “we can’t afford it”. You also need to agree on major money decisions such as changing careers, setting up a business, or even which school your child will attend.
8. What if either one becomes unfaithful or what if there are rumors about infidelity? Like death, an affair or even rumors of an affair is not a palatable topic and seems impossible now. But you need to have your wits about you if and when this happens. Will you consider counseling immediately or will it be the last resort? Who will you most likely confide in and be your support group?
9. What if sex loses its luster and passion? Problems in bed are often signs of bigger problems. Are you ready to be candid and honest in order to face the issues that get dragged into the bedroom? How will you fan the flames?
10. What if either one can’t communicate with the in-laws? Marriage is also becoming part of another family that is totally different from the one you grew up with. What if you or your spouse finds it difficult to relate to them? What if major conflicts arise regarding your in-laws?

There are just a few of a long list of real issues that face marriages. They may seem so far away and impossible. But these same challenges are opportunities for your bond to strengthen and your love to grow.