This question originally appeared on Quora.
Answer by Mira Zaslove, expectant first time Mother
"You don't marry a man, you marry a lifestyle."
Who you marry has the largest impact not just on your emotional life, but also on your lifestyle.
Both the large and small things in your daily life and long term plans will be impacted by your significant other's likes, dislikes, habits, schedule, health, personality, moods, job stresses, financial security, family, and situation.
For instance, how often will you go on vacations, and where will you go? What type of food will you eat, and who will cook it? Where will you live, and how clean will the house be? What TV shows and movies will you watch, and how often? When the toothpaste or toilet paper runs out will your partner get more or expect you to? How much sleep will you get? How many children will you have and how will they be raised? How many cars will you have, and will you lease or buy? Will you be in debt or have a large savings?
Lucky for me, I married my best friend and someone who fits my lifestyle. Jay Wacker, who loves to travel, cook, watch Game of Thrones, take pictures, and who can be silly and serious.