Yes, but we knew each other really well before settling down (10 years) so we were as certain as we could be that we were right for each other and had done lots of things, been through lots of things, before we committed.
We took things VERY slowly, even to the extent we'd been going out together for two years before we slept together. It would have been a few weeks of dating before we even snogged! I'm not the kind of person to rush into anything!
We discussed and planned every little thing, what we were wanting to buy even at the earliest stages of dating, as we trusted each other's judgement so just passed ideas by the other, not for "approval" or permission, but just for a sanity check as to whether it was a good idea or whether other options would be better. Never since the first few weeks of dating has either of us done anything, or bought anything, of significance with discussing it. Like I say, that's not asking permission, it's discussing the pros and cons, etc.
Now, looking back, we think we were crazy to wait for so long and to have been so cautious and slow about it all, but that's fine with the benefit of hindsight. It was ONLY fine because we took it slow, discussed everything, etc., that we knew we were right for each other.
We both hate change and far prefer to do everything slowly, more carefully, but do it right (for us), so whether it's been choosing a partner, or choosing a new car, or choosing which house to buy, or even choosing which TV to buy, we take our time, do our research, think it over, etc. Makes for a calm, peaceful, drama-free life!