What to expect when you arrive home and begin your new lives can't be summed up in a few paragraphs.  It is rather learned over time through talking, sharing, and experiencing life with your significant other. In this process, it's wise to begin acknowledging that both of you will need to be open to making modifications to the way you currently handle the details of life.

Finances are an important place to start. Financial trouble is the number one cause of divorce so it's extremely important that you discuss in detail how it will be handled once you are married. Discuss, specifically, how the money will be managed? Will you have joint bank accounts and handle your money as one? Alternately if you decided to keep it separate, how will the expenses be divided up?

Also address your savings. How much would you like to be saving? Are you putting separate money away toward a large purchase, such as a home, vehicle, or large vacation? How will you handle any money left at the end of the paycheck -- does it also go into savings or are you free to spend it?

Chores play a vital role in the upkeep of a household and family. Who will be responsible for which chores and how regularly should certain tasks be taken care of? For instance, will she do laundry and dishes while he takes out the garbage and vacuums? If he works to provide the household's only income, will she do a majority of the domestic chores? Find a formula that works for you.

Health can also play a substantial role in the lives of couples. Clarify whether regular physical fitness important to both of you? Are your dietary preferences similar? Do you enjoy home cooked meals during the week or favor eating out? If you are eating at home regularly, who will be doing a majority of the cooking?

Combining two schedules can also be a challenge, initially. Though the issues may seem like meaningless particulars, they can eventually add up to a source of conflict. Here are a few things to consider. Talk about whether you each like to go to bed and wake up early or late. If one of you has a demanding job, check in with each other around a designated time each day; this will give you a chance to give your spouse a much needed boost and you can discuss when to expect your them home. After work men often need down-time when they first walk in the door. What does your man need in particular, to unwind after a long day at work?

What do weekends mean to each of you? For some it's relaxation, relaxation, relaxation; for others it's errands and household chores; still for others it's getting outdoors and being active. If you two have very different perceptions of how to spend your weekends, work to find a balance that accommodates both of you.

Though these issues seem more like minute details, they will cause conflict if they are not addressed...ASAP. It's important to clarify the expectations that each of you has. Without a clear understanding, couples often find themselves dealing with larger and more detrimental issues, such as discontent and resentment toward their spouse.

Be positive during this time of learning about your spouse and his or her needs. Know that eventually you will settle into a comfortable regimen together. Just remember that it will take time, effort, patience and compromises from both of you.

For more help on preparing for and adjusting to married life, check out "From Dating to Marriage, to Marital Dating."