No matter how strong your relationship, financial situations may arise that will place pressure on the bond you have with your partner.

Debt, different spending habits and financial obligations towards family members are just a few of the issues that you may have to deal with in your journey together.

Many young South Africans are faced with the "social burden" of having to provide financial support to their parents, family and even extended family members.

As a couple, family expectations and financial obligations that each partner brings to the relationship may cause challenges.

Here are some tips that will help you deal with the pressure this may place on your relationship:

Check your financial baggage at the door.

When entering into a relationship, try to get a sense of your partner's role within their family finances. Does your partner's family traditionally rely on him/her for financial support? Communicate with your partner to share any obligations you may have.

Discuss family responsibility.

Ask your partner how much support their family needs. In some instances, one family needs more help than the other. You will need to find the right balance as a couple.

Draw up your budget as a couple.

Make a joint decision about how much you can afford to allocate to family responsibilities. Then stick to it.

Avoid divide and conquer situations.

Set boundaries with your family to manage their expectations on you and your partner. Avoid falling prey to the "divide and conquer" trick, where family members approach one partner to get what they want.

Mfenyana is the advertising and PR manager at Metropolitan Retail