It might be 2014 but when it comes to marriage, a woman still lives in the 1950s. Utter the word wedding and pictures of a family, cooking, cleaning float before our eyes. But, no, it isn't cooking or cleaning. Nor is it about nodding your head and pleasing your MIL. A marriage is a union, a partnership between two people and the responsibility is not always his or hers, but shared. There are many things a modern man needs to do to ensure the union is equal. But then, there are certain things every woman must learn and understand before getting married, too. What exactly are they? Read on...

9. Be Financially Sound

This is one aspect every woman needs look at before getting married. Being independent. You need not be a working woman or have a 9-5 job but atleast knowing all about finances and filing your taxes is essential. Your husband might have a nice cushy job but you never know what the future holds. If not have your own job and financially independent, atleast learn to save your husband's earnings for the future. If you already have a job, learn how to manage both your accounts and split the money equally. it is not right to expect your husband to pay for everything all the time. You can perhaps set up a joint account into which you both deposit a certain amount of money at the start of the month and use that money for household expenses. That ways, you're both contributing equally and even the other person gets to know and learn household management. Things like knowing your currency, your banking solutions (Term Deposits, Provident Fund, Pension Schemes, etc) will help both of you to save well for a rainy day and understand finances.

10. You're the Better Half

Marriage is a beautiful journey of two people. You and your husband are both equally responsible for it's success or your failure. Yes, there are a lot of things about weddings in India that need to change. But that does not mean that women can just sit back and blame the men for everything. You're a part of the marriage too and a better half of your husband. It is your ability of resolving conflicts that will take your family through times of crises. You are very much responsible for your relationship, as responsible as your husband. Putting your hands up at the first sign of trouble is not going to help anyone. Try resolving the issue and only if things get out of hand, take drastic measures. Also, as a better half, you deserve the same love and respect from your husband. Don't ever let anyone or anything bring your esteem and respect down.