1) FINANCIAL FOUNDATION:
When I say financial foundation,  I do not talk of the wedding plans or anything of that nature. I am referring to how financially buoyant you are. You and you alone!  What assets have you acquired? What is the ratio of your savings/income to your expenditures? You must have something to your name. An asset that is yours because this signifies that you are bringing something to the table asides from yourself. You should not have to totally rely on the finances of your partner. That reeks of a level of dependency which isn't a good trait.

2) COMPATIBILITY; Are you in sync? 😉 :
Does your perspective or choices sometimes match with theirs? Romance movies might project that two utterly different people without anything in common can hit it off, but do they show you how long the relationship last? No! Go figure!
This is my opinion, you might agree or differ.
Studies show that when two people cohabit overtime they begin imitate each other's attitudes, behaviour, and so on. This basically explains that for two people to successfully merge they have to intrinsically be similar or become similar.
I might come off somewhat practical but let's face it, Practicality is what will make it work till death do you part.
You know my sisters in-law told me something during one of our semi deep conversations. She said "Ma lo fi oko se boyfriend, ko de ma fi boyfriend se oko" which in English simply means "Do not make one who is meant to be a boyfriend as your husband and vice versa".  Well,  she got it right!

3) RELIGIOUS BELIEFS:
Personally, I have always believed religion/spirituality asides from filling a void in someone is a bonding element for people. So what happens if these elements are not in alignment? How can life partners get the doctrines of their religion to work together? Will someone have to sacrifice theirs? If so,  that person should contemplate on how they'd feel deep within if this element is removed or if they have to learn the abc's of the other partners religion. Will it lead to contempt between partners or create a new found joy for them? To truly learn the rudiments of a religion it takes patience and dedication. Are you dedicated enough? I pose them as questions because this part is subjective and thus, I do not know your answers.
Another question is what religion will your offspring adopt?
But then, sometimes you get a true spiritual match. 👍

4) DO YOU KNOW YOUR PARTNER'S CIRCLE , REALLY ?
Do you believe you truly know your partners family, friend, etc? Are they prejudiced or neutral or good with your relationship with your partner so far? If you have no idea at all, then wake up and smell the coffee. Whether it's to your liking or not the circle will always be there, back stage, influencing them on how to run his affairs which you're about to majorly be a part of. And if the circle isn't impressive/favourable, it's a tell on how they'll be cos you can't get a sparkling white cloth from a dirty water.
Plus if there ever comes a time of misunderstanding or conflict, being familiar with the family and friends of your partner helps you predict how the situation will probably end.

5) MEDICAL BACKGROUND et al:
Never underemphasize the medical compatibility between two people because it matters a lot. It can save you from unforeseen heartaches, tragedies and even regret in the future. You have to be aware of their medical history and that of their family so you know what and whatnot to expect.

6) PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT:
This isn't a popular topic where I come from but it helps partner meander situations such as divorce. I believe this is more to the taste of celebrities so they won't be taken advantage of. Whilst that is true, it is sometimes beneficial to an average man. I know my people will yimu at this part and move on.

7) FINALLY, COMMUNICATION:
Talk, talk, talk! That's how humans connect and understand each other. If communication ceases to exist then any or of bond will eventually become extinct.
In order to build a firm relationship, a couple must be able to talk to each other. This will ensure they understand themselves and create a sense of openness between them. Everything you need to know before tying the knot all boils down to this last bit.

TALK ABOUT IT!!