Marrying young in a world urging people to wait
Don’t let the world dictate if you’re ever ready for marriage.
Marriage is often thought of as a commitment between two people who have their lives all figured out. They have steady full time jobs, thousands of dollars in savings, a place away from their parents they call home, and an understanding of everything there is to know about the other. Unless you are part of the small minority that has accomplished all of these impressive milestones in your twenties, the world seems to believe that you are not quite ready for marriage.
But is that truly the case?
Whenever the word marriage is brought up in discussion within my circles, it is usually followed shortly after with the word “wait.” Wait until you know what you want to do with your life; wait until you are sure this is what you want.
Many people see it as risky to make a lifelong commitment so early on in your life. But, what about all the other risks that twenty year-olds have to take that dictate their lives? The chances of getting married in your thirties, forties, and fifties significantly decrease as the pool of available partners becomes smaller. Spending your early twenties focused on making money, going on solo trips, and prioritizing one night stands, rather than building a connection with your future spouse is not worth the risk and one that I would certainly lose sleep over.
It’s reasonable to have a plan for the future. An idea of who you want to be and the kind of life you’d like to live. But wouldn’t you rather do that with the love of your life by your side?
Benefits of young marriages
Human beings are social creatures. We were created to interact with each other and share our unique experiences. Getting married in your early twenties means getting to share milestone moments like graduations, promotions, birthdays, and other holidays with the person you love. Spending yearly holidays with a romantic partner helps create family traditions that can be passed down through generations. The increased time younger married couples have creates life long memories and stories to tell.
Don’t just take my word for it. Studies have shown that getting married young has a multitude of benefits. Navigating the worldwide cost of living crisis becomes a lot easier to manage with two people contributing to daily essentials such as food, clothing, rent, and other payments. Married couples also have access to tax breaks in Canada which alleviate stringent financial living situations.
Research also suggests that couples who tie the knot between the ages of 22-25 are more likely to experience high quality, lifelong marriages. This “high quality” marriage is the result of less emotional baggage, increased likelihood to adjust habits to align with your partner, and more time to learn your partner’s love language.
Never a perfect time
Despite all the advantages of getting married sooner, it’s important not to get carried away. It probably isn’t the wisest decision to get married simply because you’re young and in love. Forming a bond with your partner and having the necessary discussions about the future in order to feel optimistic about your marriage ahead, is important.
But, trying and waiting for the right moment or the perfect opportunity, is also dangerous. Life isn’t perfect. Humans aren’t perfect. We’ll always look for a better circumstance—more money, a better lifestyle, a more stable income—and it can often overshadow spending more time with those you love. That extra time can be achieved by marrying young and building a family before the world says you’re ready.
Marriage is about showing up for someone everyday. Serving your better half with love and respect regardless of what the world throws at the two of you. Age is just a number. It’s the experience, attitude, commitment, and determination to create a healthy long-lasting marriage that counts. Don’t let the world dictate if you’re ever ready for marriage.
