Lifestyle & Habits Questions to Ask a Prospective Spouse

Daily habits matter more to marital happiness than most people expect. Honest answers about lifestyle help you see whether your everyday lives can actually fit together.

By the Live Rishta team · Updated 1 Nov 2026

Live Rishta · liverishta.com/guides/lifestyle-habits

Questions to ask

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What does a typical weekday and weekend look like for you? Why it matters: A real routine says more than a list of hobbies. What is your relationship with alcohol, smoking or other substances? Why it matters: Habits that are 'occasional' to one person can be unacceptable to another; clarity avoids resentment. What is your diet, and how would you feel about a partner with a different one? Why it matters: Vegetarian, non-vegetarian and vegan households often have strong feelings about kitchens and shared meals. How important are fitness and health to you? Why it matters: Shows long-term attitudes to wellbeing. How do you like to spend free time and holidays? Why it matters: Reveals whether you want similar rest, travel and social patterns. Are you more of a homebody or social? How often do you host or go out? Why it matters: Introvert and extrovert mismatches are manageable when understood. How do you feel about screen time, gaming and social media? Why it matters: Heavy use can quietly erode time together. How tidy are you, and what are your expectations at home? Why it matters: Household standards are a daily friction point. Are there any habits you know you would not want to change, or ones you would like to? Why it matters: Invites honesty about flexibility.

Red flags to watch for

Minimises or laughs off a habit that is clearly a concern.
Their account of their habits conflicts with what family or friends say.
Expects you to change deeply held habits after marriage.
Gets angry at neutral, curious questions about lifestyle.

Frequently asked questions

Are lifestyle differences a dealbreaker?

Not necessarily. Differences in diet, social style or hobbies can work when both people respect each other. Disagreements about substance use or core values are harder to bridge.

How do I ask about drinking or smoking politely?

Ask open questions such as 'What is your relationship with alcohol?' and share your own position first, which makes honesty easier.

Can people change their habits after marriage?

Sometimes, but only if they want to. Never marry on the assumption that someone will change.

Ready to meet someone serious about marriage?

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Lifestyle & Habits Questions to Ask a Prospective Spouse

Questions to ask

Red flags to watch for

Frequently asked questions

Ready to meet someone serious about marriage?

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