We grew up in families with different role models, different expectations.

• Maybe in one household the beds are always made, and in the other... not.
• Maybe one person's parents required the kids to work and save, and the other... you get the point
• Maybe this is a second marriage, and you are used to how things used to be or are desperate to avoid that.

The topics that we're going to discuss here are not binding lifelong (Penny and I have both done the budget at one time or another) but it's good to talk through these items. The point is the discussion. Take your time, go through this list, and talk out loud about expectations. Once it's out in the open any issue can be seen and dealt with.

So... in no particular order, here are a few things that couples should discuss:

• Who cleans the toilet/bathroom?
• Who does the dishes?
• Who does laundry?
• Who vacuums?
• Who cooks?
• Who shops?
• Yardwork?
• Who does the budgeting/finances?
  •  How much can one partner spend without notifying the other?
  • One bank account or two?
• Who will be working (and what hours?)
• How do we feel about pets?
• How do we feel about children?
• How do we feel about God?
• How do we feel about politics?

There's no right or wrong answer... we're just looking to have a discussion, shed some light on how we feel.